§ Mr. Bellenger (by Private Notice)asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has now come to any decision with regard to the request made by the University of Oxford for a contribution out of public funds towards the sum of £70,000 agreed to be paid by the University to Sugar Beet and Crop Driers, Limited?
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. W. S. Morrison)Yes, Sir, I have now decided, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, to appoint a tribunal consisting of Lord Fleming (a judge of the Court of Session in Scotland), Sir Henry Bunbury (late Controller-General of the Post Office) and Mr. Lawrence Durning Holt (sometime Chairman of the Chamber of Shipping), with the following terms of reference:
To consider the circumstances leading up to the claim of Sugar Beet and Crop Driers, Limited, William James Mallinson and the Grange Estates, Limited, against the Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Oxford, and to advise upon the representations of the University that the sum of,£75.000 paid in settlement of the action should not be wholly borne by their funds but should be met in part by a contribution from public funds by reason of the fact that a measure of responsibility in connection with the claim rests upon the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries; and1045if so, to advise what sum ought, in fairness and reason, to be paid to the University from public funds.
§ Mr. BellengerWhile welcoming the right hon. Gentleman's decision to set up this tribunal, may I inquire whether the report of the tribunal will be available in due course to hon. Members, as this is a matter of considerable public interest?
§ Mr. MorrisonI would rather await the event. It is advisable to make no statement in advance, as it might prejudice the findings of the tribunal.
§ Commander Locker-LampsonHow long will the deliberations take?
§ Mr. MorrisonI cannot say, but, from my knowledge of the personnel of the Commission, I am confident that they will conduct it as expeditiously as possible.