§ EARL GRANVILLEMy Lords, I beg to ask a Question of the noble and Earl on the Woolsack, of which I have given him Notice. A doubt has arisen as to the effect of the statement made by him on Monday on the Irish University question—a doubt which it is desirable to clear up. When the noble and learned Earl introduced this Bill, which was then read the first time, he de- 1247 scribed what were its objects—which may shortly be stated to be these. The Bill, which has since been read a first time, puts an end to the Queen's University in Ireland, without touching the Queen's Colleges or their endowments, and it creates a new University, at present without a name, which will have the power of conferring degrees on the same conditions as the Dublin University can now confer them, and on the same conditions as the London University can confer them in Ireland, and does do so at Tullamore and Carlow. Some persons contend that as the noble and learned Earl stated on Monday that as the Government had introduced this Bill contrary to their original intention, in order that their views might bed more distinctly and clearly set forth than would he clone on the second reading of the O'Conor Don's Bill, the Bill must contain all the Government plan. Others argue that it is difficult to maintain how it could be more difficult and less desirable to unfold in a speech in the House of Commons a plan of such extreme brevity and simplicity as that contained in this Bill, and which makes so little change, than by transferring the scene of action to the House of Lords; and they infer that the Government must intend to supplement it in some other way. I only wish to ascertain the matter of fact, and, therefore, ask, Whether the statement of Monday and the Bill contain the whole plan of the Government, or whether they contemplate any extension of the arrangements?
THE LORD CHANCELLORThe Bill to which your Lordships gave a first reading on Monday is printed, and in the hands of your Lordships. In answer to the Question of the noble Earl, I have to say that Her Majesty's Government are not prepared to make any proposals dealing with University Education in Ireland at present Other than those contained in that Bill.
§ EARL GRANVILLEI observe that the noble and learned Earl has used the words "at present." Is the Bill to be part of a scheme which it is not desirable at once to make known?
THE LORD CHANCELLORI answered the Question in the ordinary way. When Her Majesty's Government submit a proposal to Parliament in a Bill, that is the proposal which they intend to make.