HC Deb 02 February 1965 vol 705 cc869-71
7 and 8. Mr. Woodhouse

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) whether he will renew his pre- decessor's undertaking with regard to any jointly agreed scheme which the colleges and City of Oxford might put forward as an alternative basis of assessment of the rate liability of the Oxford colleges;

(2) when he will announce the outcome of his dicussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer upon the possibility of special grants being made to Oxford and Cambridge colleges through the University Grants Committee in lieu of rates.

Mr. Crossman

As the hon. Member knows, I have the question of the colleges' rates under consideration. It is complex and I cannot give a date for announcing a decision. I will, of course, take account of any proposals that are put to me, but cannot commit myself at this stage to any particular line of approach.

Mr. Woodhouse

I appreciate the difficulty of the Minister, to which, indeed, I drew attention in public on many occasions when his supporters in Oxford were claiming that there was no difficulty at all. May I ask whether he recollects that exactly a year ago the General Secretary of the Labour Party gave an undertaking that under a Labour Government there would be early discussions with a view to finding a solution to the problem on precisely the lines set out in Question No. 8? May I ask how long a delay he considers compatible with the term "early"?

Mr. Crossman

I think that I gave an assurance 30 years ago, when leading the Labour councillors on the Oxford City Council, that this grievous burden should be considered. The longer we wait the more difficult it becomes. All I can say is that the hon. Gentleman knows perfectly well how delicate is this matter. Consultations are taking place. If I may say so, I have, in memory, some sympathy with the ratepayers, but we have to face facts. We have to keep the colleges like any other charitable institutions and complications would follow from unilateral action of any kind.

Sir H. Kerr

May I ask the Minister to bear in mind that the problem relating to college rates applies equally to Cambridge and that the extra burden borne by the ratepayers has caused most undesirable friction between the city and the university?

Mr. Crossman

I was aware that there would be some contact or connection between the two problems.

Mr. Woodhouse

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, I wish to give notice that I shall raise the matter again.