§ MR. BUCHANAN (Edinburgh, W.)asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, in cases in which professorships and other similar appointments are in the gift of a Minister of the Crown, or of Her Majesty, on the recommendation of a Minister, the practice could be observed, which is customary with other individuals or boards exercising similar rights of patronage, of giving public notice and fixing a certain day for making the appointment, by which means all candidates would have an equal opportunity of making application, and (if necessary) of sending in testimonials?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. E. GLADSTONE) (Edinburgh, Mid Lothian)This Question refers to two classes of appointments, with one of which I am practically conversant, and with the other of which I am not practically conversant. In the first class are placed certain appointments to Professorships, which it is the duty of the Prime Minister to recommend. From my own personal experience, I am not aware that any change is required. Of course, I can conceive the opinion—though I should be far from saying—that whenever an appointment is to be made, public notice should be given, and candidates should be invited to apply; but I do not think that principle could advantageously apply to the class of appointments I now speak of in the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge; and I am bound to say this—not in reference to my own knowledge in this branch of duty, but speaking of this class of appointments—I think they have, on the whole, been properly and creditably filled. With regard to the Professorships which my hon. Friend, I presume, has in view—these are the Professorships in the Scottish Universities—with respect to these appointments, I have no practical experience whatever; but I understand from my right hon. Friend (Sir Lyon Playfair) that the whole object this Question has in view is an object which is perfectly obtained by the present state of things. Without any formal notice, the vacancy is always matter for notoriety, and ample time is always given before making the appointment. Consequently, I am under the 458 impression that all persons who are disposed to offer themselves have ample opportnnity of doing so under the present arrangements, and I am not prepared, as at present advised, to say that any change should take place.