HC Deb 14 July 1913 vol 55 cc856-8
6. Sir HENRY CRAIK

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture what steps were taken to ascertain the marketable value of the lease in Regent's Park granted to Bedford College; and whether he has consulted any land agent of repute who is prepared to state that the terms granted to Bedford College were not easier than would have been obtained in the open market?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Runciman)

The surveyor's valuation and report advising the letting were duly declared in accordance with the requirements of the Crown Lands Act, but no other land agent was consulted by the Commissioners of Woods.

Sir H. CRAIK

Does not the right hon. Gentleman now think that some other agent could be employed?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I do not think it is necessary on professional grounds, but in any case the agreement has been signed.

7. Sir HENRY CRAIK

asked what was the exact date when Bedford College acquired the remainder of the lease in Regent's Park; whether at or before that date any negotiations had been entered upon with regard to the extension of the lease; whether Bedford College was actually in occupation during any part of the existing lease; and, if not, why the existing lease was not allowed to expire and a new lease put upon the open market?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The assignment is dated 10th December, 1908. Negotiations were opened with the representative of the college before the actual assignment was made, as will be seen from the correspondence in the Parliamentary Paper recently issued (Cd. 6842). The college were in occupation of the buildings comprised in the old lease for a short time prior to the date from which that lease has been surrendered. In the answer I gave the hon. Member on the 30th June I explained the reason why the lease was renewed.

Sir H. CRAIK

Was the occupation by Bedford College any more than nominal, and did they ever carry on the business of the college in these premises or did they merely occupy them in order that they might acquire the rights of an existing tenant?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I do not know what the object of the college was in occupying it, but they were in legal occupation at the date I have mentioned.

8. Sir H. CRAIK

asked who are the persons who represent Bedford College in the contract for the lease in Regent's Park; and who form the council of the college on behalf of whom the lease is executed?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The contract was expressed to be entered into with "The Chairman, Council and Governors of Bedford College for Women, Incorporated by Royal Charter," whose corporate Seal was affixed to it in the presence of Miss Margaret I. Tuke, councillor, Major Leonard Darwin, vice-chairman, Miss Ethel I. McKnight, secretary of council, and in pursuance of a resolution of the council as provided in the statutes of the college. The college being a corporation, the lease will be executed under their corporate seal.

Sir H. CRAIK

Who was the chairman? Is it the case that the chairman of the council was recently living in the district?

9. Sir H. CRAIK

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether it was represented on behalf of Bedford College that it was the first college for women established in this country; and whether he is aware that the assertion to that effect publicly made has now been admitted by the principal of the college to have been historically inaccurate?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

So far as I am aware, no such representation was made, and I have no knowledge of the admission referred to.

Sir H. CRAIK

Was no representation made to the right hon. Gentleman's Department, and is he not aware that this claim has been advanced and has been withdrawn in a communication to the "Times?"

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I was asked in the question whether it had been represented on behalf of the college that it was the first college for women established in this country, to which I have replied that no such representation was made.

Sir H. CRAIK

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that such claim was made on behalf of the college, and that, when challenged by me in the "Times," it was withdrawn explicitly by the principal?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I am afraid I only have the official knowledge which I have already given. I am sure the hon. Gentleman will forgive me if I do not follow the whole of his correspondence in the "Times"

25. Sir H. CRAIK

asked the President of the Board of Education whether any representations were made to his Department in favour of Bedford College on the ground of its educational work when the grant of a lease to the college in Regent's Park was in contemplation or under consideration?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. J. A. Pease)

The answer is in the negative.

Sir H. CRAIK

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to favourably consider representations from other educational bodies even if they do not happen to have the Lord Chancellor at their head?

Mr. PEASE

I will consider any representations, but until I receive them I cannot say whether they will be considered favourably or otherwise.