MR. SULLIVANIn asking the Question of which I have given Notice, as to what progress has been made with the publication of the Annals of Ulster, I beg to say that I am sure the explanation which the right hon. Gentleman (Sir Michael Hicks-Beach) will give will be satisfactory. I do not mean to impute that there has been any delay; but it is very desirable, as so' many people take an interest in the subject, that the explanation should be made public. I therefore ask, What progress has been made with the publication of the Annals of Ulster?
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHThe hon. and learned Member is aware that this work was entrusted by the Government to the Royal Irish Academy, and I believe that leading parts in the work have been undertaken by those well-known Irish scholars, Dean Reeves and Mr. Hennessy. I understand that the transcription and translation of the Annals are in a forward state, and that a large mass of materials has been accumulated by Dean Reeves, which will 825 before long be in a condition for the press. It was anticipated that four years would be occupied in the work, and there is no reason to suppose that it will not be completed within that time.