HC Deb 12 April 1892 vol 3 cc1245-6
DR. FARQUHARSON (Aberdeenshire, W.)

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now state to the House what arrangements the Government intend to make to meet the urgent necessities of science teachers at South Kensington; and whether he will appoint an Inter-Departmental Committee, including the Professors of Science at South Kensington, to consider the plans of the future buildings and the best means of utilising the available space?

MR. GOSCHEN

The first part of the question of the hon. Gentleman should be addressed either to my right hon. Friend the First Commissioner of Works or to my right hon. Friend the Vice President of the Education Department. With regard to the second, it is a matter upon which I am not able to give an answer, as I should have to consult upon the matter with the President of the Council; but I may say at once that I should not be satisfied that the Professors of Science alone should form a committee to consider the plans of the future building and the best means of utilising the available space.

DR. FARQUHARSON

May I call the attention of the right hon. Gentleman to the word "including" in the question?

MR. GOSCHEN

It is quite right that the professors should be consulted, and I hope we shall be able to satisfy the wishes of the hon. Gentleman.

MR. BARTLEY (Islington, N.)

Has anything been done yet with a view of securing tenders?

MR. GOSCHEN

My hon. Friend should address his question to the First Commissioner of Works.

DR. FARQUHARSON

rising later, said: May I ask the Vice President of the Council if he can answer the last part of Question 11, namely, whether he will appoint an Inter-Departmental Committee, including the Professors of Science at South Kensington, to consider the plans of the future buildings and the best means of utilising the available space?

THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (Sir W. HART DYKE, Kent, Dartford)

Without notice I think I cannot answer the question.