HC Deb 26 February 1901 vol 89 cc1190-2
MR. O'MARA (Kilkenny, S.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether he will state the names of the Board of Visitors of Cooper's Hill College who recommended the dismissal of the seven professors of physics and engineering, also of those who refused to make such a recommendation; what amount over and above the maintenance of the college has been received in students' fees for the last five years; what urgent reasons exist calling for these dismissals in the midst of the year's course; can he say how will such a proceeding increase the efficiency of the college; and will he grant the inquiry asked for.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Lord G. HAMILTON,) Middlesex, Ealing

The names of the members of the Board of Visitors of Cooper's Hill College who recommended the changes which have been decided upon, involving the retirement of certain of the present teaching staff, are as follows:—Sir Charles Crosthwaite, Sir William Preece, Sir Alexander Rendel, Mr. Hugh Leonard, Colonel Pearson, Sir William Bisset, Sir Courtney Ilbert, and Sir John Wolfe Barry. One member of the Board, Sir Douglas Fox, was absent on the Continent, and gave no opinion; otherwise the Board was unanimous. During the last five years the cost of maintaining the college exceeded the amount received as students' fees to the extent of £7,719. I cannot within the limits of an answer to a question give the reasons for the decision which has been arrived at, but they may be found in the Papers, which ought before now to have been in the hands of Members. As the matter has been very fully considered by the highest competent authorities I do not propose to hold any further inquiry.

MR. O'MARA

Is it a fact that one member at least of the Board of Visitors who was stated to have recommended the dismissal of the professors has petitioned to have the inquiry granted?

LORD G. HAMILTON

No, Sir.

MR. CHANNING

Will the noble Lord see that the Papers are distributed?

LORD G. HAMILTON

I have no control over the printing, but I had hoped that several days ago the Papers would be printed by now and distributed.

MR. O'MARA

Did not Sir Douglas Fox ask to have the inquiry granted?

LORD G. HAMILTON

Sir Douglas Fox was absent.

MR. LABOUCHERE (Northampton)

Will the Members be given the opportunity of discussing this question?

LORD G. HAMILTON

I cannot answer the question.