§ MR. KETTLE (Tyrone, E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to a memorial signed by more than 1,000 of the most representative Catholic laymen of Ireland, and to 52 the subsequent declaration of the Roman Catholic hierarchy of Ireland, offering the most cordial support to the scheme of university education outlined by his predecessor, Mr. Bryce; and whether he will introduce his University Bill at the earliest opportunity during the present session of Parliament.
§ MR. BIRRELLI have seen both the memorial and the declaration referred to in the Question. In the present state of the business of the House, I should not be justified in making any statement in reply to the latter part of the Question.
§ MR. LONSDALEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the University authorities of the United Kingdom have manifested themselves in opposition to Mr. Bryce's view?
§ MR. BIRRELLI could name one or two academic authorities who have not communicated with me.
§ MR. LONSDALEHow many protests have been received against it?
§ MR. BIRRELLI have received n good many as to particular aspects.
§ MR. BIRRELLI do not think that is a Question which should be put to me at this juncture. I am anxious to see this Question brought to a successful issue.
§ MR. KETTLEasked whether these academic authorities were in any way representative of Irish opinion.
§ MR. BIRRELLwas understood to say that they were English and Scottish.