44. Mr. HectorHughes asked the Minister of Education. in view of the fact that degrees of Trinity College, Dublin, are recognised by the universities of Oxford and Cambridge as of similar standing to their own, whether he will consider including graduates of Dublin University among those eligible for the allowance award, described as being for a good university degree, under the recent Burnham Committees' recommendations; and if he will now take all necessary steps to implement those recommendations.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education (Mr. Dennis Vosper)It is for the Burnham Committee to decide what precise recommendations to put forward on this matter. My right hon. Friend has not yet received any recommendations arising out of its current negotiations, and he cannot therefore make a statement.
Mr. HughesHas the Minister read the Burnham Committee's Report? Does he realise that it applies to the National University of Ireland also, and that in penalising those two universities he is penalising education at a time when there is a shortage of teachers? Will he have regard to that and do something about it?
§ Mr. VosperMy right hon. Friend has not yet received the Burnham Committee's Report. I know that when he does receive it he will bear in mind what the hon. and learned Gentleman says.