§ 49. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the number of full-time students taking courses in technology in the University of Wales in 1947–48, 1949–50, 1953–54, and 1954–55, respectively; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PowellI am informed that the number for the four years in question were 507, 489, 360 and 380, respectively, but that by 1956–57 they had risen to 477, which represents an increase since 1953–54 of 32 per cent. in Wales as against an average of 23 per cent. in Great Britain.
§ Mr. ThomasCan the Minister give an assurance that he will give full assistance to the university in seeking to increase this number?
§ Mr. PowellOf course, the distribution of grant as between universities is a matter which is left primarily to the University Grants Committee, but I am sure that it has that matter well in mind.
Mr. Glenvil HallMay I ask the Financial Secretary whether the Government know the cause of this rather terrible drop in numbers?
§ Mr. PowellYes, Sir. I am told that the fall between 1947 and 1953 was the automatic result of the extra numbers of ex-Service men in the years immediately after the war passing out of the universities.