§ LIEUTENANT-C0L0NEL PHILIPPS (Southampton)To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that in the Report on the Hartley University College, of Southampton, it is stated that the college is taking a much more prominent, it might fairly be called a predominant, part in the orginsation of teaching in Southampton and the surrounding districts, and that the number of students in regular attendance has nearly doubled in the last few years, and that in spite of this progress the permanent Advisory Committee recommend that the Government grant should be reduced from £3,400 to £2,250; and whether he will consider the necessity, if a check is not to be put to the good work of the college, of making the grant the same as in previous years.
(Answered by Mr. Asquith.) I would refer my hon. and gallant friend to the 19th paragraph of the Report of the Advisory Committee, which explains the reasons for the reduction in question. I am afraid that I can see no grounds for departing from the decision which has been arrived at.