HC Deb 13 March 1907 vol 171 cc50-1
MR. HUGH LAW (Donegal, W.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he can say why the librarianship of the Royal College of Science in Dublin has been kept vacant for nearly nine months; how the money saved by reason of this vacancy will be applied; and when it is proposed to make a new appointment.

MR. BIRRELL

There is no post of librarian at the Royal College of Science. The library was looked after by one of the attendants, who received an additional allowance of £20 a year for the work. This officer retired on pension at the end of October last. The arrangement by which the library was entrusted to an attendant was not altogether satisfactory, and the question of providing for the future care of the library is now under consideration.

MR. HAVILAND BURKE (King's County, Tullamore)

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware there used to be an officially appointed librarian; that when the vacancy arose the post was actually offered by advertisement to public competition, but that no appointment being made this valuable library was left in charge of the hall porter?

MR. BIRRELL

That is news to me. I only know there is no librarian at present, but I hope there soon will be one.

MR. HUGH LAW

I hope the right hon. Gentleman will bear in mind the inconvenience caused to those who use the library.