HC Deb 03 May 1951 vol 487 cc1413-4
45. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Prime Minister whether the request of the University Court of the University of St. Andrews for the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire into the organisation of university education in Dundee has now been considered; and whether he will make a statement.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

Yes, Sir. The King has been pleased to approve the setting up of a Royal Commission to consider this problem, with the following terms of reference: To inquire into the organisation of University education in Dundee and its relationship with St. Andrews University, and to recommend what changes, if any, should be made in the constitution, functions and powers of the University of St. Andrews, of University College, Dundee, or of any other body or institution concerned. Lord Tedder, G.C.B., has accepted an invitation to serve as chairman and the other members are:

Lord Greenhill, O.B.E.; Sir David Lindsay Keir, M.A., LL.D.; Professor Dugald Baird, M.D., F.R.C.O.G.; Mr. David Emrys Evans; Mrs. Isabel Finlayson, M.A., Ed.B.; Professor H. W. Melville, Ph.D., D.Sc., F.R.S.; Mr. J. S. Muirhead, D.S.O., M.C., T.D., D.L.; Mr. Andrew Robertson, D.Sc., F.R.S.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the Prime Minister aware that this announcement will give great satisfaction to the people of Scotland, who have been disturbed by the unhappy dispute existing between these two sections of a great university; and that this House would like to express to all those concerned the hope that they will co-operate with the Royal Commission with a veiw to reaching a friendly solution of this dispute?

Captain Duncan

May I ask the Prime Minister where this Royal Commission should sit? If it is to be in Edinburgh, will he ask the Royal Commission to have some of its sessions, at any rate, in Dundee?

The Prime Minister

I have no information about where it would sit. I think it is hardly possible that it would not visit Dundee.

Lieut.-Colonel Elliot

Will the Royal Commission be located in Edinburgh, or, at any rate, in Scotland?

The Prime Minister

I think so.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

Since the Commission will be dealing with St. Andrews University, could it possibly visit St. Andrews?