§ 52. Mr. Edmund Harveyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how often the University Grants Committee has met during the last six months; and whether, in view of the urgency of the equipment of the universities to deal with the post-war situation, steps are being taken by the committee to formulate appropriate plans?
§ Sir J. AndersonThe reconstitution of the University Grants Committee has been under consideration for some time and I hope very shortly to announce the appointment to the Committee of a number of new members. Pending its reconstitution, meetings of the Committee have not recently been held. As regards the equipment of universities to deal with the post-war situation, the universities themselves have been studying the various problems which will face them after the war. The Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals have asked the University Grants Committee to undertake a review of these problems in order to form a considered estimate of the need for increased assistance from the Exchequer. This request will have to be considered as a matter of urgency by the reconstituted Committee; meantime, the universities are being asked to formulate their post-war needs so far as they can be estimated in present circumstances.
§ Mr. HarveyCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the universities are 521 being asked individually to formulate their needs, or is it to be done through the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals?
§ Sir J. AndersonI am not sure, but I think it is through the Committee.