§ MR. ERRINGTONasked Mr. Solicitor General for Ireland, What progress, if any, is being made towards maturing and carrying out the long-promised scheme for accelerating retirement among the Senior Follows of Trinity College, Dublin; and, whether it is proposed to give any increase of power to the Academical Council in the government of the University?
§ THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. PLUNKET)Sir, as to the first part of the Question, I am informed that various proposals have been made by the Provost, the Senior Fellows, and the Junior Fellows of Trinity College, with the view of creating a more rapid succession in the entire body, and otherwise promoting its usefulness; but as yet no plan has been finally adopted or agreed upon. The subject is still under anxious consideration, and I hope that before long some satisfactory solution may be found for the difficulty. As to the second part of the Question, it is not, so far as I am aware, intended, at present, at all events, to give any increase of powers to the Academical Council. No necessity has, I believe, been suggested for an alteration of the provision of the Queen's Letter, recently granted. The new constitution seems to work well, and the two bodies in which the government of the University and College is vested have co-operated harmoniously. My hon. Friend will understand that I have answered his Question as one of the Members of the 1443 University of Dublin. These matters have not been brought before me officially.