§ SIR THOMAS ESMONDE (Wexford, N.)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury if he can state who represents Ireland upon the Historical Manuscripts Commission, and if the representative of Ireland on that Commission has a knowledge of the Irish tongue; and, whether either the Record Commission or the Historical MSS. Commission propose to publish any of the Irish MSS. and State Papers in the Bodleian Library, the Library of Trinity College, Dublin, and the Royal Irish Academy; and if the authorities of any of these institutions have as yet been approached on this subject by either of these Commissions.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR, Manchester, E.)said Ireland was represented on the Historical Manuscripts Commission by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Dublin University (Mr. Lecky). Whether his right hon. friend had knowledge of the Irish tongue he could not say, but he was quite sure the interest of students of Irish history would be safe in his hands. What they should publish was a matter for the discretion of the Commissioners.
§ MR. THOMAS O'DONNELLWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps to appoint a gentleman thoroughly acquainted with the Irish language?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI think the interests of Ireland are quite safe in the hands of the right hon. Gentleman the present member for Dublin University.