§ 59. Mr. Edmund Harveyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the terms of reference of the recently reconstituted University Grants Committee; and whether its functions have been or will be enlarged, in view of the educational and financial problems confronting the universities.
§ Sir J. AndersonNo change has been made in the terms of reference of the University Grants Committee, which are—"To enquire into the financial needs of University education in the United Kingdom and to advise the Government as to the application of any grants that may be made by Parliament towards meeting them." It seems to me that these terms of reference are wide enough to enable the Committee to report on any problem 34 on which the Government might need advice in connection with the making of grants to Universities. I may add that there has grown up between the Committee and the Universities an accepted custom of constant informal consultation on matters of University policy, and it is contemplated that this will be continued and developed.
§ Mr. HarveyIs there any probability of the formation of a University Council in the not distant future in order to get that consultation more effective?
§ Sir J. AndersonI am afraid I cannot say anything about that.