THE EARL OF AIRLIEsaid, that he had been informed by what he considered good authority that a Report upon the Oxford University Bill had been made by a Committee of the Hebdomadal Council, and he was very desirous that before they discussed this question further, the Report should be placed upon the Table of the House. The Hebdomadal Council had always been consulted in all matters that affected the Colleges, and he thought if they were considered in regard to this Bill, it would be desirable that their Lordships should have before them any expression of opinion that that Council might make before they proceeded with any legislation on the University; and it was still more desirable in the present instance, because the Bill proposed to deal with the funds of the Colleges. He would, therefore, ask the Secretary of State for India, Whether it is the fact that the Hebdomadal Council of the University of Oxford have appointed a Committee to examine and report on the Oxford University Bill; and, if so, whether he will place himself in communication with the Hebdomadal Council, with the view of laying their Report on the Table of this House?
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYsaid, there was no objection whatever to the production of any Resolution of the Hebdomadal Council; but he understood that to-day the Bill had been laid before the meeting of the Convocation for their opinion, and no doubt the Resolution itself would also be laid before the Convocation. They, therefore, proposed to wait until he had the opinion of the Convocation, either reported itself to the House by Petition, or by communication to him. At all events, it would be laid before Parliament.
THE EARL OF AIRLIEasked the noble Marquess whether he expected that the Resolution would reach their Lordships before the Bill was in Committee.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYreplied that he did.
§ House adjourned at a quarter before Six o'clock, to Thursday next, half-past Ten o'clock.