§ MR. T. P. O'CONNORasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether Professor D'Arcy Thompson, Professor of Greek in Queen's College, Galway, has performed the duties of Librarian in that College since the close of 1876; whether he is still described as "Acting Librarian," although two Professors who have occupied the position of Librarian in the Queen's College, Belfast, and a Professor who has held it in the Queen's College, Cork, have all been appointed full Librarians under Sign Manual; whether Professor Thompson has already several times applied for full installation in his office; and, whether immediate steps will be taken to comply with his claims?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThe facts are as stated in the Question, and, pending possible changes in the Queen's Colleges, it is not thought desirable to make any alteration in the condition on which Professor Thompson holds the post. He receives the full emoluments of the office, and the only point affected is the right of pension which a permanent appointment would confer.
§ MR. T. P. O'CONNORasked whether it was right or just to deprive Professor Thompson of the right to what had been done for Professors in the other Colleges?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThe hon. Member repeats his Question. I have stated that, pending probable changes in the Queen's Colleges, it is undesirable to make any change.
§ MR. T. P. O'CONNORsaid, his Question was, why the same policy was not pursued towards Professor Thompson as towards the other two acting Librarians?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThat is practically the same Question.
§ MR. GIBSONsaid, that Professor Thompson was a most eminent scholar; and if he had discharged the duty of this office for years, why was he not placed in the same position as the other Librarians?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThe right hon. and learned Gentleman, for the fourth time, has asked the same Question.
§ MR. GIBSONI have not.
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANYes; you again ask why Professor Thompson's temporary office has not been made permanent?
§ MR. T. P. O'CONNORNo, no; that was not my Question.
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThe reason I have already given why it has not been made permanent is that it is undesirable to do so, pending probable changes in the Queen's Colleges.
§ MR. T. P. O'CONNORFor the fifth time the right hon. Gentleman has failed to answer my Question. My Question was not why Professor Thompson's appointment is not made permanent; but why the other appointments being made permanent, his appointment still remains temporary?