§ MR. H. O. ARNOLD-FORSTER (Belfast, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will at an early date give notice of the Amendments he proposes to move to the Bill of the hon. Member for Louth providing for the diversion of the endowments of the Erasmus Smith Schools in Ireland; and if he will give an undertaking that the Bill shall not be brought on without adequate notice and full opportunity for discussion?
§ MR GERALD BALFOURI understand the Bill is down for Committee stage for the first Wednesday after the Whitsuntide holidays. The Amendments considered requisite by the Government are now in course of preparation and will be placed on the Paper in ample time to allow of their consideration before the Committee stage is reached.
§ MR. WILLIAM JOHNSTONMay I ask whether the Government will consider the statement sent by the Erasmus Board to the Lord Lieutenant and the Chief Secretary last year, and whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that an intense feeling of opposition exists to any unsettlement of an arrangement which has existed for two hundred years?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThe representation in question was received and will be considered. Of course, I am aware that there is a strong feeling against any arrangement which might have the effect of disturbing the existing state of things.