University Representation in Parliament

Abstract

THE provisions of the Franchise Bill as regards the representation of Universities are based on the recommendations of the Speaker's Con ference on Electoral Reform, issued early in the present year, under which Oxford and Cambridge retain two members each, London is grouped with Durham, Manchester, Birmingham, Liver pool, Leeds, Sheffield, Bristol, and Wales to form a constituency returning three members, and the Scottish Universities are to form a single constitu ency returning three members. The degree is to be the basis for electoral qualification. In view of the attacks to which the University franchise has been subject in recent years, this full recogni tion of the principle of University representation will be gratifying to those who believe that it con stitutes a valuable element in our electoral system. As Mr. Balfour said in the House of Commons in July, 1913, the representation of Universities is an honour paid by, the country to the cause of higher education, which gives the power of getting into the House of Commons men of science, men of scholarship, men of special and peculiar gifts quite alien from the ordinary work ing politician. It is, both in theory and practice, a form of proportional representation, enabling men and women of special training and experience to form themselves into constituencies and to return to Parliament representatives qualified to promote higher education and the advancement of science and learning, aspects of our public life which are least likely to secure representation through the ordinary channels.