HC Deb 18 October 1944 vol 403 cc2355-7
21. Mr. Astor

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether any progress has been made as to arrangements for higher technical education in aeronautics in this country.

The Minister of Aircraft Production (Sir Stafford Cripps)

Yes, Sir. The Aeronautical Research Committee were asked by me to prepare a report on this matter and as a result of their report I appointed an inter-Departmental Committee, under the chairmanship of Sir Roy Fedden, to work out a detailed plan based upon the report of the Aeronautical Research Committee. Sir Roy Fedden's Committee has recently reported and has recommended the setting up of a college of Aeronautics to give advanced instruction in aeronautical science and engineering in all branches. It is further recommended that the college should be administered under the Minister of Education by a governing body representing the various interested sections of the community. Until such a college can be built it is suggested that a start should be made as soon as possible in temporary accommodation.

The Government have accepted in principle the recommendations of the Committee and convenient premises for temporary adaptation are being made available by the Air Ministry though not at the location indicated in the report. The suggested permanent site is also under review. As the matter is of wide interest it is proposed to publish the report of the Fedden Committee as soon as possible.

Mr. Astor

While welcoming this development may I ask if the right hon. and learned Gentleman realises how important it is that this college should be placed near one of the great universities and not somewhere out in the country, away from all academic atmosphere?

Sir S. Cripps

It is hoped that the college will be situated close to at least two of the main universities.

Sir Oliver Simmonds

Could the Minister say whether the college will be open to Empire students only or to foreign students as well?

Sir S. Cripps

It is recommended that it should be open to foreign students as well.

Mr. Pickthorn

Can the Minister say whether academic opinion has been sounded about the site in question?

Sir S. Cripps

Yes, Sir. There were representatives of the universities on the Committee.

Mr. Bowles

Are the main universities the provincial universities?

Sir S. Cripps

There are many main universities in this country.