§ THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (The DUKE of DEVONSHIRE), in moving the Second Rending of this Bill, said it was substantially the same as the Bill which passed through the House with little discussion last Session, but for which, unfortunately, time did not allow full consideration in the other House. Certain modifications had been introduced which were the result of communications which had been in progress during almost the whole of the Session between those interested, and there was reason to 874 hope that the difficulties Which prevented the Bill from passing into law had been removed, and that it would pass now as practically an unopposed Measure. He was sorry to say very considerable time had elapsed since Lord Cowper's Commission reported, and during that time a very great change, he was happy to say, had taken place in the higher education of the City of London, and this had caused the necessity for certain alterations of procedure in the Bill. The chief alterations introduced had reference to such modifications. Almost the only point discussed in the House last year was that which affected, or was supposed to affect, denominational colleges, and principally King's College. The agreement which was arrived at last year had been embodied in somewhat different toms in the present Bill, and he believed it was now practically accepted by King's College and the principal holies concerned, and was now not objected to by Lord Herschell, who took a strong line of opposition last year. He had been able, in introducing the Bill, to give the names of the Gentlemen who were to fill the statutory Commission under the Bill, and if noble Lords would look over the list it would be seen that educational interests, as well as the conflicting interests which prevented the passing of the Bill last year, were adequately represented on the Commission, and that it was one that ought to inspire confidence.
THE EARL OF KIMBERLEYsaid its he was a member of the Senate of the University he was aware of the circumstances to which the noble Duke had alluded, and which led to the introduction of this amended Bill. He did not think it was necessary or desirable to go into the provisions now; he would confine himself to saying the present form was the result of very careful consideration, he might say a compromise between the different interests. There was very sanguine hope, and he sincerely trusted it would be fulfilled, that the Bill in its present form, 875 which was probably the only form in which it would be acceptable to all parties concerned, would not be opposed, and he hoped it might pass during the present Session.
§ Read 2a (according to Order); and committed to a Committee of the whole house on Monday next.