§ 21. Mr. BRADYasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Lords of the Treasury, before determining to withdraw 1268 the annual Grant of £300 to the Royal Irish Academy of Music, were made aware of the fact that in compliance with the repeated suggestions of His Excellency the Lord Lieutenant's inspectors the governor's this year, in dependence on the continuance of the vote, incurred considerable liabilities in providing additional accommodation to prevent overcrowding among the students; and whether, in view of this expenditure, this small Grant will be restored?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Montagu)The fact that the governors have assumed during war time further liabilities will not in my opinion justify a reversal of the Treasury decision to discontinue the Grants next financial year. I may add that in the corresponding English bodies the same policy has been carried out.
§ Mr. BRADYMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman respectfully to answer the question on the Paper, namely, whether representations were made by his Excellency's inspector to the governors of the Royal Irish Academy to increase the accommodation, and that in compliance with those representations the accommodation has been increased, and, if so, whether it is a fair thing to withdraw this small sum of £300?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI do not think that is the question asked me at all, but I shall be very glad to confer with the hon. Member on the subject.