§ A local education authority may with the consent of the Minister provide financial assistance to any university or university college for the purpose of improving the facilities for further education available for their area.—[Mr. Ede.]
§ Brought up, and read the First time.
§ Mr. EdeI beg to move, "That the Clause be read a Second time."
My hon. Friend the Member for Stone (Sir J. Lamb) had an Amendment on the Paper which dealt with the power of a local education authority to provide financial assistance to universities and university colleges. We asked him not to proceed with the Amendment at that stage and promised to put down a new Clause to cover the point. In the proposed new Clause we redeem our promise.
§ Sir J. LambMay I beg to say "Thank you" to the Minister? I do not want to 1959 take up any further time, but I know that the authorities for whom I spoke will be very grateful.
§ Mr. E. HarveyWill the Committee allow me to express my gratitude for the Clause? Some universities have not received grants from local authorities and they will be very glad to have them. Many local authorities have not contributed, but I hope the new Clause will encourage them to do so.
§ Mr. EdeWe all know that it is more blessed to give than to receive. My hon. Friend the Member for Stone (Sir J. Lamb) is giving and my hon. Friend the Member for the English Universities (Mr. Harvey) is receiving. Both have arisen to bless me and I therefore feel my lot is a very happy one.
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ Clause read a Second time, and added to the Bill.