I beg to ask the Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has yet ascertained if the Commissioners of National Education were unanimous in their decision refusing to comply with his request to modify the rules dealing with the civil rights of teachers.

The Commissioners of National Education have informed me that, in their opinion, it is undesirable, in the interests of the public service, to give information such as is asked for in the Question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether this is his opinion—if not will he have the salaries of these Commissioners refused until they comply with a reasonable request of this kind?

I am afraid I could not take such a drastic remedy as that.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what are the civil rights referred to?

The right to attend meetings and one or two other things.

Are we to understand that the public rights of citizens are refused when a man enters the public service in Ireland?

No, and I may say that teachers in other countries outside Ireland are subjected to certain disciplinary rules with a view to securing civil respect and independence. I certainly think that the rules in Ireland press very heavily.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to have these Commissioners made amenable to Parliament?

I must not refer to my Irish Council Bill.

Oh, no! We never mention it.