§ MR. LEIF JONES (Westmoreland, Appleby)To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the 1180 School of Brewing in connection with the University of Birmingham has not fulfilled the expectations of its founders; that to provide against the closing of the school a professional laboratory, in competition with private analysts, is to be established for the purpose of analysing brewers' samples; that it is proposed to advertise the existence of the laboratory to the brewing trade generally; and that the local brewers, in consideration of having guaranteed a sum towards the maintenance of the school, are to have their analytical work done at the school laboratory free of cost to the extent of their respective guarantees; and whether he will take steps to prevent an institution supported partly out of public funds being thus used in competition with private professional analysts.
(Answered by Mr. Austen Chamberlain.) I am informed that the School of Brewing has completely fulfilled the expectations of its founders and is now in a most flourishing condition; the buildings, equipment, and annual working cost have all been provided by the Birmingham and Midland Counties Wholesale Brewers Association, so that no part of the funds of the University or the Government grant have been used in founding or carrying on the school. The scientific work done in the school is the subject of a complimentary reference from the gentlemen who carried out the last quinquennial inspection on behalf of the Treabury in 1901. I understand that it is now proposed to make additions to the school as a result of a visit made by a deputation from the Board of Management to the schools of Ghent, Berlin, Vienna, Munich, and Paris. I see no reason for any Treasury interference.