§ 28. Mr. FREDERICK WHYTEasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the delay which has occurred in the publication of the correspondence between the Treasury and the Scottish universities on the subject of the system of inclusive fees, he will consent to waive for this year the Treasury's caim to insist on the full adoption of the system before the increased Grant is paid; and whether, in these circumstances, he will pay to the universities the full amount of the increased Grant for the year?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe correspondence will appear almost immediately. I propose to defer further action until after its publication.
§ Mr. F. WHYTEIn view of the delay in publication, will the right hon. Gentleman consent to meet the universities by paying the whole Grant this year, seeing that they have shown their willingness to adopt not only the principle but also the active operation of the scheme so far as possible, though they require further time before they can arrive at a conclusion?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI will not commit myself to that policy at the moment. No immediate action is necessary. The whole correspondence will probably be published to-morrow, and perhaps I will be able to make a fuller statement before the Adjournment for the holidays.
§ Mr. WATTIn view of their need of money, were they not forced to accept the tight hon. Gentleman's terms by their poverty?
§ Mr. MASTERMANNo one was forced by poverty to accept any terms. I want to find out what is the best for the Scottish universities.