§ Mr. STEPHEN GWYNNasked whether the attention of the Government has been directed to the statement of Earl Spencer, contained in Hansard, Vol. 99, 15th August, 1901, that he, when Viceroy of Ireland, had promised compensation for loss of income, conditional on the loss proving permanent, to professors of the Queen's University affected by the dissolution of that university; whether that permanent loss, amounting in some cases to half the previous income, has been sustained by some professors; and whether the Government proposes to make good the promise of the Viceroy?
§ Mr. BIRRELLIf the hon. Member will refer again to Hansard for the date mentioned he will see that the statement that Lord Spencer made the promise referred to in the question is inaccurate, and he will further find that it was distinctly stated on behalf of the Government of the day that the Treasury, having considered the matter in all its bearings both legal and equitable, had come to the conclusion that these professors had no claim to compensation. The matter cannot now be reopened.