HC Deb 20 July 1893 vol 15 cc89-90
MR. T. W. RUSSELL (Tyrone, S.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether, in the case of Mr. Thomas Conway, who is a candidate for the office of Professor in the Training College at Marlborough Street, Dublin, the Board of Education has received any communication on behalf of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland protesting against his appointment; whether the Training College at Marlborough Street is the only Undenominational College in connection with the Board of Education, and on that account largely availed of by Presbyterian students; whether he is aware that on Tuesday, the 11th instant, the question of Mr. Conway's appointment produced a second deadlock at the National Board, the voting being six against six, and that Mr. Morell, a Presbyterian Commissioner, who had previously supported Mr. Conway, abstained from voting; and if it is proposed by the Resident Commissioner to still further press this gentleman's candidature?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. J. MOKLEY,) Newcastle-upon-Tyne

A communication, as stated, was received by the Board of National Education protesting against the appointment of Mr. Conway until the public mind has been satisfied as to his suit- ability for this office. The facts are as mentioned in the second and third paragraphs of the question. The Resident Commissioner has not given any undertaking in respect of his intended action when the case comes up for final settlement in October next.

MR. T. W. RUSSELL

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman is he aware that out of the votes recorded for this gentleman four were those of officials and two those of ex-officials of the Board, and that the legal and clerical element polled against him? Is not the right hon. Gentleman, in postponing action until October or November, when Parliament may not be sitting, running the risk of allowing a grave injustice to be done?

MR. J. MORLEY

I have no opportunity of making any analysis of the voting, but I do not see, even if it were as the hon. Member indicates, that I could do otherwise than I have said.

MR. T. W. RUSSELL

Inasmuch as copies of the evidence taken at the investigation are to be had, will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to lay one on the Table, so that it may be used in discussing this matter on the Vote on Account? I want the evidence regarding the moral character of this man whom it is proposed—[Cries of "Order!"]

MR. J. MORLEY

I cannot undertake to place the evidence on the Table of the House until I have had an opportunity of considering it. I should think then it is extremely doubtful if it should be produced—the man may not be appointed, and may not continue to be a candidate even.

MR. T. W. RUSSELL

I shall raise the whole question on the Vote on Account.