HC Deb 23 July 1908 vol 193 c356
MR. C. J. O'DONNELL

I beg to ask the Chief-Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is now in a position to state, taking into consideration the fact that half the population of Ulster and one-third of the population of Belfast are Catholics, how many Catholics he proposes to appoint out of the thirty-four members of the Senate of the new University of Belfast, which in future will be the only foundation for University education afforded to Ulster Catholics.

MR. BIRRELL

The names of the persons whom it is proposed to appoint upon the first Senate of the Belfast University are given in the amended draft Charter which is now before the House. I understand that five of these persons are Catholics.

MR. C. J. O'DONNELL

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that one-sixth part of the Senate is a sufficient proportion?

*MR. SPEAKER

That is a matter of opinion.