§ 2.35 p.m.
§ LORD OGMOREMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they propose to release the drill hall and armoury at Lincoln's Inn formerly used by the Inns of Court Regiment in order to provide class rooms and other facilities for law students, including those from overseas.]
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (VISCOUNT KILMUIR)My Lords, Her Majesty's Government fully recognise the importance of providing adequate facilities for the accommodation of law students, including those from overseas. I have had recent personal experience of the importance of this need when I addressed a large body of overseas students at Lincoln's Inn. Unfortunately, the suggestion made in the Report of the Denning Committee on the Training of African Students, that the premises occupied for so long by the Inns of Court Regiment should now be made available for this purpose, gives rise to considerable difficulties.
Some of the problems involved are not under the direct control of Her Majesty's Government. For the premises concerned are let by Lincoln's Inn under a long lease to the Territorial Army and Air Force Association of the County of London and are at present used for training purposes by the Inns of Court Regiment, who have amalgamated with the City of London Yeomanry. The whole matter is being actively considered at present, and I am therefore not in a position to give the noble Lord an answer to his question 478 to-day. I shall, however, keep him informed, as fully as I can, of the course of events.
§ LORD OGMOREMy Lords, may I thank the noble and learned Viscount for that Answer, and also for the keen interest that I know he and his staff have taken in this important subject.
§ THE EARL OF COURTOWNMy Lords, may I ask the noble and learned Viscount whether he is aware that not only have these premises been occupied by the Inns of Court Regiment since the year 1884, and been connected with the Inns of Court since about 1584, but it is one of the best centres in London for recruiting purposes for the Territorial Army?
§ THE LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, I am well aware of the difficulties on that side, and I am well aware of the history of the Regiment, which at least one of my predecessors has had the honour to command. Both sides of the problem raise difficulties, but I am sure that the noble Lord will appreciate the grave urgency of the educational side as well. I am trying to examine the whole problem.