HC Deb 16 May 1938 vol 336 cc183-8

Order for Second Reading read.

11.47 p.m.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education (Mr. Kenneth Lindsay)

I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time."

This is a very short and very simple Bill. The need for it arises from the establishment, in 1920, of the University College at Swansea. Up to that date, from 1914, when the Welsh Church Act was passed, the University of Wales comprised three university colleges, and no more, namely, the University College of Wales at Aberystwyth, the University College of North Wales, and the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire. The Act provided for the distribution of certain property equally between these three colleges. Now that there are four university colleges, all on the same footing, they should all share equally. That is the sole purpose of this Bill. The proposal has been approved by all four colleges, and by the university. I hope the House will give the Bill a Second Reading.

11.49 p.m.

Mr. David Grenfell

This short and simple Bill, as it has been described by the Parliamentary Secretary, reminds us of the bitter controversies in the House which led to a settlement in the Act referred to by the hon. Gentleman. In 1914, certain provisions were made for the disposal of Church revenues and endowments, which were transferred to the University of Wales. The purpose of this Bill is to give effect to the intentions of the earlier Act. We have, in Wales, succeeded in developing the University to a greater and more efficient measure than we had in those days, and we now have four University Colleges, the newest being the one in the town which I represent in the House, one of which I am very proud. By agreement and full consent among all parties, the amount allocated to three universities is now to be divisible among four. It is a very happy conclusion of the negotiations, at any stage of which there was an intention to direct to the service of educational progress in every way the revenues previously directed to the service of the Church. Not one person in Wales is dissatisfied with the inclusion of the Swansea University, and I feel sure that the House will give the Bill a full measure of support.

11.51 p.m.

Mr. Owen Evans

As Member for one of the constituencies concerned and one who used to be treasurer of one of the colleges that are a party to this agreement, I welcome the Bill and hope it will pass without opposition. I do not know what the procedure is regarding the placing of the Bill before a Select Committee, but I believe the Bill has been unanimously agreed upon, although I quite understand that hon. Members will want to be in possession of the evidence of agreement among the parties. The University of Wales is unanimously agreed to add to the beneficiaries of this Bill a fourth college which has come into existence.

11.52 p.m.

Mr. Lindsay

With the permission of the House, I will explain that point. This is a public Bill affecting private interests. Therefore, it is a matter of form that although actually all the interests are agreed, it has to go through this procedure.

Question, "That the Bill be now read a Second time," put, and agreed to.

Bill read a Second time.

Bill committed to a Select Committee of Seven Members, Four to be nominated by the House and Three by the Committee of Selection.

Ordered, That all Petitions against the Bill, presented at any time not later than five clear days after the Second Reading of the Bill, be referred to the Committee.

Ordered, That Petitions against the Bill may be deposited in the Committee and Private Bill Office, provided that such Petitions shall have been prepared and signed in conformity with the Rules and Orders of this House relating to Petitions against Private Bills.

Ordered, That the Petitioners praying to be heard by themselves, their Counsel, or Agents be heard against the Bill, and Counsel or Agents heard in support of the Bill.

Ordered, That the Committee have power to send for persons, papers, and records.

Ordered, That Three be the quorum.—[Mr. Lindsay.]