HL Deb 06 April 1854 vol 132 cc490-1
LORD LYNDHURST

wished to know whether it was the intention of Her Majesty's Government to introduce a Bill with respect to the University of Cambridge? If so, whether it would be introduced with the same objects as that introduced for the reform of the University of Oxford, and whether it would be brought forward in the present Session?

THE EARL OF ABERDEEN

said, his noble and learned Friend was aware that the Bill for the reform of the University of Oxford was now before the other House of Parliament. It was desirable to ascertain whether the principle of that measure would be affirmed before any step should be taken with reference to the University of Cambridge. Undoubtedly it was the intention of the Government to deal with the University of Cambridge on the same principle as that with which they dealt with the University of Oxford; but it was not the intention of the Government to bring forward any measure having reference to the University of Cambridge this Session.

THE EARL OF DERBY

said, that there could be no doubt that the course which Her Majesty's Government had determined to follow in this matter proceeded from a desire, before going further, to make an experiment in corpore vili. He hoped, however, that those who were connected with the University of Cambridge would recollect the declaration made by the noble Earl that it was the desire of Government, as far as they could carry out such a desire, to deal with Cambridge upon the same principle as they would act in reference to the sister University of Oxford.

THE EARL OF ABERDEEN

It is a good old maxim to deal with one thing at a time.