HC Deb 01 June 1961 vol 641 cc405-6
17. Mr. Rankin

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much of the £25 million required to expand existing universities in Scotland to meet the estimated demand for new places by 1970 has been approved.

Sir E. Boyle

Of the new building programmes for the period 1962–65 which my right hon. Friend announced on 25th January the University Grants Committee has to date allocated about £9.3 million to the five Scottish institutions.

Mr. Rankin

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that, even if we get the £25 million which is suggested to extend Glasgow, Edinburgh, St. Andrews and Aberdeen Universities to their full capacity as proposed, Scotland in 1970 will still be nearly 2,000 university places short of the estimated demand? Is that what the Chancellor is planning for? Would not the hon. Gentleman ask him to reconsider this matter?

Sir E. Boyle

I am told that, so far as can be foreseen at present, the programmes which my right hon. and learned Friend has already announced or the Scottish universities and also for the Royal College of Science and Technology in Glasgow—

Mr. Rankin

That is not a university.

Sir E. Boyle

No, but also for the Royal College of Science and Technology—will accommodate the increased number of students which will be coming forward in this decade.

Mr. Rankin

On a point of order. In view of the exceptionally inaccurate information—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order."]—contained in that reply, and my dissatisfaction with it, and the dissatisfaction—

Mr. Speaker

I have repeatedly asked hon. Members in giving notice not to make speeches but to adhere to the formula.

Mr. Rankin

I realise that I have not yet got the Adjournment. I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.