§ SIR ROBERT PEELsaid, he would beg to ask the right hon. Gentleman the Member for South Lancashire, Whether, notwithstanding the assurance given by the right hon. Gentleman in the early part of the Session that no change would be made in the constitution of the Queen's University in Ireland until an opportunity had been afforded to the House of challenging the policy of the Government, and before the Crown had committed any formal act on the subject, it was the case that a new or Supplemental Charter received the Queen's signature some three weeks ago, and to which the Great Seal had been affixed; and, if so, what was the interpretation to be given to the solemn pledge of the right hon. Gentleman in a matter of this grave public importance? He also wished to say that since he gave his notice that Supplemental Charter had been submitted to the Senate of the Queen's University, and been rejected by a majority of that body.
§ MR. W. E. GLADSTONESir, my right hon. Friend asks me a Question which refers to a simple matter of fact, on which it is evident, from the supplement which he appended to his Question, that he is already fully informed. It also refers to a matter of argument and contention. As to the matter of fact, it is the fact that a new or Supplemental Charter received the Queen's signature a few weeks ago. As to the matter of argument and contention, my right hon. Friend himself has given Notice that he will call the attention of the House to the subject on going into Committee of Supply, which will, I think, be a more convenient manner of dealing with it than in reply to a Question, and therefore I shall postpone my remarks until that time.
§ SIR ROBERT PEELI wish to ask the Question that stands in my name, Whether the right hon. Gentleman did give a pledge at the early part of the Session 822 "that no change would be made in the constitution of the Queen's University until an opportunity had been afforded to the House of challenging the policy of the Government."
§ MR. W. E. GLADSTONEThe pledge is on record, and I will give my view of it when the proper time comes, as far as may be necessary.