§ 42. Mr. EDEasked the President of the Board of Education if he will consider the advisability of securing and publishing accurate information on the cost to the Universities and Colleges of Oxford and Cambridge of educating an undergraduate, and the average fees paid by undergraduates other than those holding scholarships, exhibitions, sizarships, or being similarly in receipt of assistance from the foundation?
§ Lord E. PERCYMy right hon. Friend does not think he would be justified in asking the university and college authorities to attempt the compilation of a special return on the lines suggested by the hon. Member. A detailed analysis of the income and expenditure of the Universities and Colleges of Oxford and Cambridge, and tables relating to the expenses of undergraduate life, will be found in the volume of Appendices to the Report of the recent Royal Commission.
§ Mr. EDEIs the Noble Lord aware that the particular points which are asked for here are not to be found in the appendices, and that the most divergent views have been expressed in this House and in another place on the specific points raised here; and is it not advisable, in view of the divergency of the statements made, that accurate information should be available in connection with the consideration of the Bill now before the House?
§ Lord E. PERCYI think it might occur to the hon. Member that the reason why that is so is that the question which he is raising is a question upon which divergent opinions have always existed, namely, the question of the part of the 246 expenditure of a college authority which is properly attributable to the education of particular undergraduates.
§ Sir HENRY CRAIKIs it not the case that it would be absolutely impossible to supply that information in the case of any university in the Kingdom?
§ Lord E. PERCYQuite!