HC Deb 09 May 1923 vol 163 cc2355-6
96 Mr. FRANK GRAY

asked the Attorney-General (1) whether he is aware that the University of Oxford possesses powers over markets, weights and measures, theatres, and travellers by train, ousting or in competition with authorities set up by this House, and not confined in their operation to Oxford or the members of the University of Oxford; whether he will initiate legislation to revoke such powers;

(2) whether he is aware that the University of Oxford enjoys and exercises a jurisdiction in criminal matters not connected with or related to the powers of the vice-chancellor as a magistrate whether he is aware that such criminal jurisdiction extends to the whole of England and is not confined to students of the University; whether he will initiate legislation to repeal such jurisdiction;

(3) whether he is aware that the University of Oxford possesses and exercises a civil jurisdiction (ousting, saving on appeal to the High Court of Justice) in respect of contract (saving specific performance) and tort arising anywhere in England unlimited in amount if one party only is a senior or junior member of the University; and whether he will initiate legislation to remove such jurisdiction?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL (Sir Douglas Hogg)

I am aware that the University of Oxford possesses certain civil and criminal jurisdiction which was originally conferred by charter and subsequently confirmed by Statute. I have no reason to believe that this jurisdiction is abused, and I know of no grounds for taking measures to remove it. I am not sure that I understand the first part of the third question, but so far as I do understand it, it is, I think, covered by my answer.

Mr. GRAY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that recently, and on many previous occasions, this has been the subject of serious conflict? Will he answer that part of Question No. 98 which deals with an administrative authority in competition with the ordinary civil authorities?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL

As far as I understood the hon. Member's question, I did answer it. The question is: To ask the Attorney-General whether he is aware that the University of Oxford possesses and exercises a civil jurisdiction (ousting, saving on appeal to the High Court of Justice) in respect of contract (saving specific performance) and tort arising anywhere in England unlimited in amount if one party only is a senior or junior member of the University. Unfortunately, I was neither a senior nor a junior member of the University, and the question beat me.

Mr. GRAY

I doubt very much whether—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"] Would the right hon. Gentleman have been so modest yesterday as to have asked my advice as to the meaning of a question? The question is based on a text book which should be well known to the Attorney-General.

Sir CHARLES OMAN

Does the right hon. Gentleman regard the word "oust" as properly used to define anything conferred by mediæval charters, and confirmed by Acts of Parliament, and can they be said in any way to oust the authority set up by this House?

Mr. SPEAKER

We had better get back to plain language.