§ 31. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the proposal to build a new agricultural college, at public expense, near Aberdeen; how far the proposal has gone; how much it will cost; what accommodation and training facilities it will provide; how many students it will provide for; and what will be its relations with Aberdeen University when completed.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Lord John Hope)As the Answer is rather long I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. Hector HughesCan the Joint Under-Secretary say what steps the Secretary of State has taken to determine the very important question of whether it is better to have this college within the precincts and the amenities of the city, where the university now is, or to build a new college, at great expense, out in the country? What evidence has he collected on the subject, and what is the result?
§ Lord John HopeThe hon. Member will be able to look into this when he sees the Answer, and he can then have another go at it.
§ Following is the Answer:
§ The need to rehouse the college has been recognised for some time and provision has been made in the estimates of my right hon. Friend's Department for the work to begin in the next financial year. Building proposals have been framed by the college and are under discussion with the Department. It is too early to make a firm estimate of accommodation and total cost, but it is expected that the college will provide teaching facilities for about 100 students, together with accommodation for the advisory service.
§ The future relationship between the college and the university is primarily a matter for these two bodies. There are already certain constitutional links between them.