Captain CRAIGasked if it is obligatory on each professor in the Queen's University to make a statutory declaration binding him to respect the religious susceptibilities of his class; if this obligation applies in general to lecturers and readers; if it will in particular apply to the lecturer or reader about to be appointed in scholastic philosophy; and, if not, what precautions will be taken in the case of this appointment to secure a similar object?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Apparently the statutes make no special provision to extend this obligation to lecturers and readers who might fairly enough be required to make a similar declaration. No lecturer in scholastic philosophy has yet been appointed, and the question raised by the hon. Member will be referred to the Commissioners, in whom the appointment is vested.
Captain CRAIGMay I ask whether these Commissioners are appointed by the right hon. Gentleman himself?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Commissioners are certainly nominees of the Government.
Captain CRAIGMay I ask whether there will be an appeal to the University Committee of the Privy Council, and whether the Members of that Committee will also be nominated by the right hon. Gentleman?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI cannot answer that.
§ Mr. W. MOOREIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that if this precaution of requiring each professor to make a statutory declaration is not enforced by someone, it may open the door to what is denounced as denominational teaching?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI have expressed the opinion that although the statutes make no special provision for it, I think a lecturer or reader might fairly come within the requirement imposed by the Act. I will call attention to the matter.