HC Deb 10 November 1920 vol 134 cc1184-5
84. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the President of the Board of Education whether Lord Haldane, when a Member of His Majesty's Government, or anyone on his behalf, entered into any agreement with the Duke of Bedford in or about the year 1911 or 1912 to purchase any portion of the site at the rear of the British Museum, now offered by the present Government to the University of London; what was the area of the land then proposed to be purchased; and what was the price to be paid for the same?

Mr. FISHER

I do not think it is reasonable that a Minister should be questioned as to the action taken by a Member of a previous Government. So far, however, as I am aware, no such agreement as is suggested was entered into by the Government of which Lord Haldane was then a member, nor by any person acting on behalf of that Government, and I can in any case assure the hon. Member that the action of the present Government was in no way determined by anything which took place in 1911 or 1912.

Sir W. DAVISON

Are we really to understand that the Minister of Education, who is advising the Government on this matter, has no information as to the previous negotiation on which the present offer is based; and will he be good enough to answer the last two parts of my question as to the area of the land then proposed to be purchased, and what was the price to be paid for the same?

Mr. MacVEAGH

Will the right hon. Gentleman have regard to the pledge given by the Leader of the House that no question will be answered for the gratification of idle curiosity?

Sir W. DAVISON

Mr. Speaker, I would like to press for an answer; and I beg the right hon. Gentleman to consider that it is not idle curiosity to ask for information on a matter for which this House will have to find the money—nearly half a million.

Mr. FISHER

I have given an answer to what I was asked and all the information I have.

Mr. MacVEAGH

So have I.

Sir W. DAVISON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Lord Haldane, in making the previous offer, said he was acting with the consent of the Prime Minister?

Mr. FISHER

I am not aware of that.

Mr. SPEAKER

The Minister has already said he knows nothing about it.