61 and 62. Mr. CAMPBELLasked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to published statements by Miss Geraldine Hodgson, lecturer on education in Bristol University, and by Professor Gerothwohl, of the same university, containing grave reflections upon the administration of the university, and expressing their readiness to substantiate these statements by evidence before a public inquiry; whether he proposes to secure such an inquiry by a visitation or otherwise; and (2) whether Mr. T. R. Glover, D.Litt., Fellow and Professor of St. John's College, Cambridge, has resigned his seat as official representative of Cambridge University on the Bristol University Council as a protest against the unsatisfactory answers of the council to the charges brought against their administration and their opposition to a public inquiry?
Mr. PEASEI have seen published letters and statements relating to the matters referred to. I have already in previous answers explained the Board's position in relation to university administration, and I can add nothing to what I have said. I do not propose to institute an inquiry, and I cannot in any way interfere with the discretion of the visitor.
Mr. CAMPBELLIs it not the fact that this university is in receipt of a Parliamentary Grant? In consequence of that is it not the duty of the right hon. Gentleman's Department to see that the Grant is administered satisfactorily and efficiently? Are not the reports received by the right hon. Gentleman plain demonstration that the administration is unsatisfactory?
Mr. PEASEBy the Advisory Committee, presided over by Sir William McCormick, I am informed that the educational work is efficiently carried on, and therefore I am fully justified in continuing the Grant which the university at present receives.
§ Sir E. CARSONHas the right hon. Gentleman received any report at all as 1370 to whether the charges made against the administration are justified? Is the Grant to go on without any inquiry as to whether these people were right or wrong in resigning?
Mr. PEASEPower is given, through the Sovereign, to the President of the Council and the visitors to make inquiry if one is needed. But my duty is to see that the Parliamentary Grant is efficiently administered in connection with education, and I am satisfied that the educational efficiency is satisfactory at the present time.