§ Mr. GINNELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will ascertain and state how the chair of national economics in the National University of Ireland has been filled during the last twelve months, with the average number of students; of
546Wthe salary and expenses attaching to that chair how much has been paid, and to whom; what provision the university made during that time for students desiring to take that subject; whether it was at his instance the nominal occupant of the chair was appointed; and, in view of the importance of the subject and the presence of capable and willing teachers in Dublin, what the intention of the university authorities is with regard to it?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThis is not a subject within my responsibility, but I have obtained from the university authorities the following information, which I am willing to place at the disposal of the hon. Member. I am informed that the occupant of the chair of national economics, which is in University College, Dublin, volunteered for military service at the beginning of the session 1914–15, after obtaining the permission of the governing body of the college. The governing body thereupon appointed the professor of commerce in the college to act as substitute during the absence of
the professor of economics on military duty, and the former gentleman has discharged all the duties of the chair during the session. The stipend attaching to the chair is £500, and of this sum the substitute receives a remuneration at a fixed rate for lectures and examination duties 547W which was considered by the governing body to be substantially equivalent to the Army pay which the professor of national economics would receive over the period of the year, while the balance of the stipend is paid to the latter. The students attending the classes in national economics are either preparing for the degree of Bachelor of Commerce or seeking honours degrees in economics, and averaged eleven in the session.