HC Deb 14 April 1960 vol 621 cc1456-7
21. Mr. Marquand

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what request he has received from the Government of the West Indies for further assistance to the University College of the West Indies, following upon the recommendations of the Cato Committee concerning the future of the college; and what reply he has given.

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Iain Macleod)

The University College of the West Indies have been allocated £1 million from the money made available under the CD. and W. (Amendment) Act, 1959. In addition, the Government of the West Indies have sought my approval to the allocation to the University College of £600,000 from the West Indies reserve of colonial development and welfare funds. I have agreed in principle, it being understood that the money will not be called for until the allocation of £1 million has been fully committed by the University College Authorities and until the contributing Governments have agreed to meet the resulting recurrent expenditure.

Mr. Marquand

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that is a highly satisfactory statement which will give great pleasure not only in the West Indies but throughout the academic world of the Commonwealth? Is he aware also that it is most unlikely that any of the money will be wasted, as the record of University College is amazingly good?