HC Deb 15 November 1960 vol 630 cc197-8
30. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what approaches have been made to him on the matter of another university for Scotland.

Mr. Brooman-White

Apart from the references made to this subject in the debate on 7th November, my right hon. Friend has received letters from the right hon. Member for East Stirlingshire (Mr. Woodburn), my hon. Friend the Member for Ayr (Sir T. Moore), the hon. Member for Stirling and Falkirk Burghs (Mr. Malcolm MacPherson), the hon. and learned Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Hector Hughes), the Editor of the Glasgow Herald, the Campaign Committee for the Proposed University of East Stirlingshire, the Royal Burgh of Dumfries, and the Royal Burgh of Inverness.

Mr. Rankin

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the recent Report of the University Grants Committee has indicated that by the mid 1960s there ought to be between 170,000 and 175,000 places in British universities? In view of the great activity going on in England in the establishment of new universities, of the fact that applications for more universities are being encouraged, and of the approaches in Scotland which the hon. Gentleman has just announced, what steps is he taking to impress Scotland's needs on the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the University Grants Committee?

Mr. Brooman-White

There is also great activity in Scotland, as my Answer indicated. My right hon. Friend is in touch with the University Grants Committee, and will keep in touch with it, about Scotland's specific needs.

Mr. Rankin

On a point of order. I asked a direct question, namely: what is the Secretary of State doing? Why should the hon. Gentleman evade it?

Mr. Speaker

That is not a point of order.

Sir M. Galpern

In view of the ample evidence already available, will the hon. Gentleman indicate whether the Scottish Office, as represented either through the hon. Gentleman or through the Secretary of State, is satisfied that there is a definite and urgent need for a fifth university?

Mr. Brooman-White

The matter is under review by the University Grants Committee, and it is its job to advise the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the expansion of university facilities in general. My right hon. Friend is closely in touch with the Committee about the specific problems of Scotland.

Sir T. Moore

As a result of the persuasive letter which my hon. Friend received from the hon. Member for Ayr, will he bear in mind that Ayr is peculiarly well suited in every way for the university when it has been finally approved?

Mr. Brooman-White

All these representations will be recorded.

Mr. Rankin

On a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.