§ 70. Mr. WILLIAM SHAWasked the Secretary for Scotland if Herr Ludwig Becker has resumed his duties as professor of astronomy at Glasgow University; and if he can state the approximate amount of public money paid to this professor in lieu of salary while he was not discharging the duties of his office?
§ Mr. CLYDEThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Professor Becker has received the ordinary emoluments of his office during his absence on leave, that is, since March, 1916. I understand that the annual endowment of the Professorship is £600, with a house.
§ Mr. SHAWCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the professor is being retained in his own interest or in the interest of the University?
§ Mr. CLYDEThe professor in question is not retained on the staff of the University cither in his own interest or in the interest of the University. He has not, in fact, been deprived of his office, and is, therefore, at the present moment still professor of astronomy.
Sir F. HALLAre we to understand that this German has been paid £600 per annum during the War period?
§ Mr. CLYDECertainly. This German, like any other person with whom a British institution had a contract of payment, has received the emoluments of his office.
§ Sir R. COOPERWill the Government allow him to come back again?