HC Deb 29 November 1938 vol 342 cc214-5
2. Mr. Robert Gibson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that a resolution was passed unanimously by a meeting representing students of most political opinions in Edinburgh University on Friday, 11th November, 1938, protesting against the restrictions that have been laid on the freedom of political discussion in the University of St. Andrew's, and the pressure that is being exerted to prevent St. Andrew's students from dealing in their own magazine and in their societies with the urgent questions of the day; when the rules, under which this action was taken, were approved; and whether he will undertake to make no grant to St. Andrew's University until he has held an inquiry into these incidents?

Mr. Colville

I have seen a Press report of the resolution referred to. I would remind the hon. and learned Member that universities in this country are self-governing, and that questions of internal discipline are by law matters for the university authorities. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Mr. Gibson

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that freedom in Scottish universities dates back to the fifteenth century, when our Scottish universities were founded, and that there is at present seething discontent among the students at St. Andrew's University over the treatment meted out to them? Is he also aware that the Senate of St. Andrew's University have prohibited the publication of "College Echoes," the university magazine, except on conditions which include the setting up of an advisory council on which the Senate will be represented, and that the students have declined to publish "College Echoes" under these conditions?

Mr. Colville

I would remind the hon. and learned Member that self-government is as old as freedom in the Scottish universities; and I would be loth to interfere on this point.

Mr. Maxton

Will the Secretary of State remember that part of the system of self-government in Scottish universities is the right of undergraduates to carry on certain activities, and that these must not be interfered with even by the Senate?

Mr. Colville

My information is that the interference is not so great as the hon. Member thinks. I could not agree to take the action suggested in the question.

Mr. Edmund Harvey

Will the Secretary of State, while rightly insisting on academic freedom for the universities, make it clear that he does regard political freedom for the students as a most important thing?

Mr. Colville

I think that that is understood.

Mr. Gibson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware—

Mr. Speaker rose

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