§ MR. J. PINKERTON (Galway)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether his attention has been directed to the Ministerial pledges given at the foundation of the Queen's Colleges, to the effect that the patronage of the Crown would be exercised to secure, if possible, the services of Roman Catholic professors and office-bearers in Gal way and Cork and of Presbyterians in Belfast; (2) whether he is aware that the first President, Vice President, and office-bearers in Galway were exclusively Roman Catholic, but that at present the President and office-bearers are now exclusively Protestants; and (3) whether any steps will be taken to redeem the pledges referred to?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI am unable to find in the Ministerial statements made at the time when the establishment of the Queen's Colleges was under discussion, any pledge to the effect mentioned in the Question. I have no information regarding the statements in the second paragraph, though I am making inquiries.
§ MR. PINKERTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that no effect has been given to the pledges?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI have no information.
§ MR. W. JOHNSTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these colleges are banned by the Roman Catholic hierarchy?
§ [No answer was given.]