HC Deb 15 July 1842 vol 65 cc198-9

On the question that 4,516l. be granted for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the university of London.

Mr. W. Wood

inquired whether the vote was the same as last year, and if not why it had been diminished.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer

said, there was a diminution in the vote of 587l.. Communications had been had with the University, and the reduction in the salaries to that amount had been agreed to.

Mr. G. W. Wood

believed the senate did not concur in the proposed reduction. They acquisced, but were opposed to it.

Sir J. Graham

The reductions made were principally in the salaries of the examiners, and as several of them were interested in the vote no doubt many of them were opposed to the reduction. They had also seats in the council, and voted in the apportionment of their own salaries. He was glad to say, however, that many of them approved of what Government proposed. One of the originators of the University, Mr. Warburton, highly disapproved of the examiners being also Members of the Council.

Mr. Hume

wished to know whether any report had been made of the manner in which the former grant had been expended. He had always been opposed to the system of the council appointing Members of their own body to the office of examiners, which was a paid office, and the salary settled by themselves. He hoped the Chancellor of the Exchequer would call for a report in future, and would take care not to submit any other estimate without the House being made acquainted with the manner in which the former grants had been spent by means of a report. He wished to see the names of the examiners, in order that he might know if they were really Members of the Council; for he could not countenance a system under which a man might apportion a salary to himself. He was one of the first supporters of the University, but he must say the expense had very greatly exceeded his anticipations, and might be reduced with advantage to the establishment.

Mr. G. W. Wood

said, the Members of the council had been asked to undertake the duty of examiners; they did not seek the office.

Vote agreed to.