Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether all the Scottish universities have now adopted the principle of an inclusive fee; what fee has been adopted in each case; and whether this represents an increase in the amount of fees hitherto paid by poorer students; and whether any of the Scottish universities have indicated an unwillingness to accept this proposal?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEAll the Scottish universities have accepted the principle of an inclusive fee. A conference of representatives of the universities met in July last, and agreed upon a scale of fees for certain courses. Three of the four University Courts have intimated to the Treasury their acceptance of the proposals of the conference. I understand that Edinburgh University Court are in favour of certain alternative proposals. It would take too long to state in detail the various rates of fees. The fact that the University Courts have settled the rates of fees appears to me to be a sufficient answer to the suggestion that the interests of poorer students will be prejudiced.
Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what date the Treasury intimated to the Scottish universities that the increased grant would be conditional upon them adopting the principle of an inclusive fee; and whether this condition was made before or after this House had sanctioned the grant?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThe date of the Treasury letter intimating the decision of the Treasury on the Report of Lord Elgin's Committee was 14th July. 1910. The Supplementary Estimate making the increased provision for that year was voted in Committee of Supply on the 19th July and reported on the following day.