§ Read a third time.
§ The Chairman of Committees (Lord Boston of Faversham)My Lords, I beg to move that the Bill do now pass.
Moved, That the Bill do now pass.—(The Chairman of Committees.)
§ Lord AnnanMy Lords, perhaps I can just say how glad I am that the Royal Free Hospital Medical School is now to be part of the University College. It was recommended 30 or more years ago by Lord Todd, endorsed by my noble friend Lord Flowers 15 years ago and at last it has come to pass. If universities were able to reform a little more quickly, they might receive more sympathy today when they are in a very bad way.
§ Baroness Gardner of ParkesMy Lords, having listened to the last comment I should like to make clear that I consider this to be an equal merger of the two medical schools. In no way is the Royal Free Hospital to be submerged.
§ The Chairman of CommitteesMy Lords, I am sure that the noble Lord, Lord Annan, and my noble friend 458 Lady Gardner of Parkes will forgive me if I do not respond to their helpful contributions. I know that some noble Lords are less familiar than others with the practice and procedure of your Lordships' House where Private Bills are concerned. Perhaps in defence of your Lordships I should explain that, if points are to be raised, notice is given and a sponsor appointed from the Back Benches to respond to any helpful contributions that may be made.
I am sure that if that line had been pursued and the sponsor appointed, he or she would have responded in a most welcoming way to both the contributions which have been made. I commend the Bill to the House.
On Question, Bill passed.