§ SIR PHILIP MAGNUS (London University)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Education whether he can state what progress has been made in the negotiations for the establishment of the proposed new Technological Institute at South Kensington; and whether the Board are prepared to accept the proposals of the Senate of the University of London approved at their meeting of 12th December, 1906, and forwarded to the Board of Education on 13th December, in reply to the letter of Mr. Morant of 30th November, 1906, stating that the President of the Board of Education thought that it would be almost imperative that decisive steps should have been taken by the end of the year which would make possible the establishment of the new institution early in next year (1907).
§ MR. LOUGHThe recent change of Presidents of the Board of Education has necessitated a slight delay in this important matter. I am desired by the new President to say that he cordially endorses the statement in the letter of 30th November, as to the imperative necessity of a prompt decision, and has made the consideration of this problem one of the very first matters of investigation on taking office. It is not expedient to make any announcement to-day.
§ SIR PHILIP MAGNUSCan the hon. Gentleman say when the announcement is likely to be made?