HC Deb 16 November 1954 vol 533 cc194-5

Professors:

The grants will be related to basic salaries of £1,900 a year in Universities and University Colleges. Provision will continue to be made as as present for supplementation and this will allow for a range of salaries up to £2,850 a year.

Readers and Senior Lecturers:

A range of salaries with varying maxima up to £1,850 a year.

Lecturers:

Scales rising generally from £650 to £1,350 a year.

Assistant Lecturers:

Salaries ranging from £550 to £650 a year.

† An additional allowance of £50, within a maximum of £2,850, will continue to be paid to non-medical staffs of London University.

13. Mr. H. Wilson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how far increases in university teachers' salaries, at present being negotiated, are to be met by increases in the fees paid by students.

Mr. R. A. Butler

The cost of the increase in academic salaries which I have announced today will be met by an increase in the Treasury recurrent grant. The question whether university fees should be increased is under consideration by the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals, but not as a matter related to any particular head of university expenditure. The question requires considerable study and, if an increase is decided upon, it will be some time before it can be fully effective.

Mr. Wilson

Quite apart from the general increase in fees which is being considered, does this mean that the right hon. Gentleman confirms that the whole of the cost of the increase of university teachers' salaries will be borne by Exchequer grants?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir. If there were to be a rise in fees, it might have some effect on university financies, but it is not attached to any particular head of university expenditure.

Mr. Woodburn

Would the right hon. Gentleman keep in mind that raising university fees in many cases simply raises public grants to students and that, if he continues this vicious circle of raising things all round, he makes things worse instead of better?

Mr. Butler

The right hon. Gentleman should not take it that I have announced that there is to be a rise. I said that this matter was being considered by the Vice-Chancellor's Committee, and I think that I ought not to come into it at this stage.

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