UNIVERSITY OF DURHAM BILL. (Hansard, 27 July 1908)

§ VISCOUNT RIDLEY

My Lords, this is a Bill on which it is not necessary for me to say more than a few words, as it is entirely of a private character. It is chiefly concerned with certain internal changes in the constitution of the University of Durham, necessitated by its growth as an institution and by the development of its work in Newcastle. It has been a matter of arrangement 740 between all the parties, and as a result it has passed the House of Commons without any difference of opinion. It seeks no new powers, and the various authorities concerned are entirely agreed upon it; but it is necessary to come to Parliament for powers because the constitution of the University was settled by Act of Parliament originally. The promoters proceed on the same method as was followed in the case of the London University Bill in 1898, by the appointment of Commissioners who are empowered to carry out changes according to the schedule of the Bill, but have no power to divert any property from the uses to which it is at present given. The Bill as it stands is approved by the Dean and Chapter of Durham and by all the educational authorities concerned. I hope that, in these circumstances, your Lordships will give the Bill a Second Reading.