§ Sir E. Graham-Littleasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that when, upon the direction of the then Lord Privy Seal, early in the year certain schools of London University removed their students to provincial centres indicated for their reception it was found that accommodation had been actually provided for only about one-eighth of the number required, and that even this provision is now threatened by the intention of the Government to commandeer for Government Departments the buildings at present occupied by students of London University thus evacuated under the Lord Privy Seal's instruction; and will he see that the present accommodation is amplified rather than diminished?
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§ Sir J. AndersonMy hon. Friend is mistaken in supposing that any directions were issued on behalf of the Government to the authorities of London University to remove their students from London in the event of war. Advice was sought by representatives of the Vice-Chancellors of the Universities on the possibilities of continuing University education in various centres under war conditions, and they were given such guidance as could be afforded to them by the Civil Defence Department. My information is that arrangements for the evacuation of students in certain cases were made by the various Universities and University Colleges in consultation with a Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals; and that, while it was to be expected that the execution of these arrangements would give rise to some difficulties, these have been very much less than suggested in my hon. Friend's question. I am not aware that the existing arrangements are liable to be disturbed by any demands for Government accommodation.