HC Deb 14 February 1966 vol 724 cc1029-30
Mrs. Hart

I beg to move Amendment No. 37, in page 5, line 16, to leave out from "1858" to "shall" in line 17 and to insert: (2) The readers and lecturers to be included on a Senatus Academicus to which this section applies. This Amendment will ensure that, whatever the precise nature of the procedures laid down by different universities, the non-professorial members of the Senate will be elected to that body by their fellow lecturers and readers in the university. Considerable concern—understandably and correctly—was expressed in the preliminary consultations which the Government had with the Association of University Teachers about this and also during the Standing Committee by hon. Members about the method by which readers and lecturers would be appointed to the Senate.

The main purpose of Amendments moved in Committee was to ensure that the non-professorial members were appointed by all the lecturers and readers in the university. However, we found that the wording of the Amendments which have led to undue rigidity at the universities in arranging elections. I accepted the principle and indicated that I would like to consider more precise drafting on the Report stage.

This Amendment gives effect to the substance of the Amendments moved in Committee, recognising the importance of the point that was in our minds at the time but leaving it to the universities to determine the detailed arrangements for election to suit local circumstances and giving them the kind of freedom that they should have in this kind of rather precise and detailed matter.

Mr. Tam Dalyell (West Lothian)

I welcome the form of this Amendment.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendment made: In line 20, at end insert: but the only persons qualified to vote in the election of those readers and lecturers shall be the readers and lecturers of the University concerned".—[Mrs. Hart.]