HC Deb 15 December 1942 vol 385 cc1759-60
40. Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many pupils from Scottish schools passed into the Scottish universities during the 10 years prior to the present war; how many Scottish schoolteachers passed through the universities in the same period; what sums are paid yearly and under what headings from the Scottish Education Department or from other Scottish funds to the Scottish universities; and what powers does he exercise in regard to the universities?

Mr. Johnston

As the answer is long and includes a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Stewart

In view of the vital part that universities are now playing in Scottish education, and since my right hon. Friend has precluded the new Advisory Council from examining university education, can he say what other steps he proposes to take to include the universities in the complete survey of Scottish education which the country expects?

Mr. Johnston

That question does not arise on this issue, but I will be glad to consult with my hon. Friend on the matter.

Following is the answer:

The number of full-time students who entered the Scottish universities during the 10 years before the war was 23,363. I have no information as to how many of them had attended Scottish schools. The number of university graduates who began training for teaching during the same period was 8,745. Forty-three thousand pounds is paid annually to the Scottish universities from the Education (Scotland) Fund. In addition the Parliamentary Grant paid by the Treasury on the recommendation of the University Grants Committee, totalling £359,000 in 1942, includes £42,000 payable to the Scottish universities under Section 25 of the Universities (Scotland) Act, 1889, based on rights existing before 1889, and £30,000, which was previously paid out of the Local Taxation (Scotland) Account, and is now payable to these universities under the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1929. I receive an annual report from the universities as to how they have applied the grant from the Education (Scotland) Fund. I advise on appointments to three of the four principalships and to the regius chairs in the universities, and, in my capacity as a member of the Scottish Universities Committee of the Privy Council, I am consulted about University Ordinances.