§ MR. WALLACE (Edinburgh, E.)I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the maximum of the increase which he is prepared to recommend the Government to make to the annual sum of £42,000 proposed to be voted to the Scottish Universities in the Universities (Scotland) Bill, so as to enable the proposed Commissioners to deal with the question of compensation to professors and others?
§ * THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN, St. George's,) Hanover SquareIt is from combined motives of benevolence and prudence that I would prefer not to name any maximum. If I named a maximum it would be highly probable that there would be a temptation on the part of the Commissioners to work up to it. On the other hand, if I named a maximum it might be found that it was not enough to deal with the particular emergency with which I am anxious to deal. Under these circumstances, I think it best not to name any particular sum until the Commissioners have had an opportunity of examining the whole case. I can assure hon. Members that the Government have a bonâ fide intention of being able to give some substantial assistance to the Commissioners in dealing with this matter.
§ MR. CAMPBELL - BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)May I ask whether the intention of the Government would be embodied in any instrument or recorded in any way; because there may be a change of opinion or a change of Chancellor of the Exchequer?
§ * MR. GOSCHENI will endeavour to provide for that emergency to the best of my ability by putting on record, in some form or other, the intentions of the Government with regard to this matter.
§ MR. WALLACEIn consequence of the answer of the right hon. Gentleman, I beg to give notice that I shall move the rejection of the Universities Bill, on the ground of the inadequacy of the pecuniary arrangements.