§ MR. MATTHEW KENNY (Tyrone, Mid)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if the "65 Rule" applies to the Presidents and Professors of the Queen's Colleges in Ireland; if so, how many have been retired under its operation; how many have been specially exempted until 70; and if any other than those so specially exempted continue to hold office?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Sir J. T. HIBBERT,) OldhamThe question whether any particular office is within the operation of the clause of the Order in Council to which the question refers can only be decided by a competent Court of Law. Pending such a decision, the Treasury is of opinion that the Presidents and Professors of the Queen's Colleges are within the Order, and no payments from a Vote of Parliament will be made to any Professor who is over 65 years of age, unless Ids service has been continued by the Treasury under the special power given to them by Clause X. of the Order. The services of two Professors have been thus continued. I am not aware how many others are over 65 years of age.
§ Mr. KENNYWill the right hon. Gentleman institute inquiries as to the ages of Presidents and Professors of Queen's Colleges?
§ SIR J. T. HIBBERTI see no objection.