§ 37. Mr. G. A. Morrisonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now in a position to make a statement with regard to the report of the special committee, under the chairmanship of Lord Alness, on the application by the Scottish Universities for grants from the Education (Scotland) Fund?
§ Mr. ColvilleAfter careful consideration of the terms of the report, I have decided that, in accordance with certain of its recommendations, grants of £4,000 and £12,000 should be paid from the Education (Scotland) Fund to the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow respectively before 31st July, 1938, the end of their present financial year. With regard to 1938–39 and future years, I hope that the state of the fund will also make it possible for me to give effect to the recommendations of the report. I would add that the payments in the current year to the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow must not be regarded as in any sense implying acceptance of the principle that the Scottish Universities may rely upon the Education (Scotland) Fund to meet any future deficiencies which they may incur. Moreover, the claims of each university on the fund must be considered each year in the light of the financial and other circumstances that may arise, and of the annual reports which it would, 1980 under Statute, be the duty of each university receiving assistance to submit to me.