§ 32. Mr. COUPERasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the continued usefulness of the Glasgow Veterinary College by the high standard of individual successes in the latest examinations; whether he is aware that the withdrawal of the State grant is restricting its development; and especially in view of the fact that women are now matriculating at this college, one of them achieving the distinction of receiving a diploma from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, if he will consider a renewal of the grant?
§ Sir J. GILMOURMy attention has not been specially directed towards this matter, but I have seen statements in the Press. As my hon. Friend is aware, the decision to withdraw the State grant from the Glasgow Veterinary College was based upon the considerations that funds were not available for the assistance of two veterinary colleges in Scotland and that two colleges were not in fact required. I regret that the question of restoring the grant cannot be reopened.
§ Mr. COUPERIs not my right hon. Friend aware that large numbers of the students of the Glasgow College come from the Highlands and Islands and the West of Scotland, and that, if they are directed to go to the East Coast to study, it entails upon them severe hardship and expense, because their relatives largely live in Glasgow?