HC Deb 03 April 1962 vol 657 cc204-5
33. Mr. Hannan

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what advice he has now received from the University Grants Committee about the future status of the Royal College of Science and Technology, Glasgow; and what decision has been reached in the matter.

Mr. Brooke

I cannot at present add to my previous replies on this matter.

Mr. Hannan

Can the right hon. Gentleman indicate when he is likely to receive such a reply? Since the new quinquennium starts on 1st August this year, will he bear in mind that an early and favourable reply would be most appropriate in this instance?

Mr. Brooke

I realise the great interest there is in this matter, but, as I said before, it is my duty to await whatever advice the University Grants Committee may think fit to give. I do not think it would be right for me to seek to hasten that Committee.

Mr. Malcolm MacPherson

But is it not the case that the University Grants Committee have given advice lately but that the Chancellor of the Exchequer has not been notably ready to accept it? In this case, are not the facts already fully known, and is not this just a case of the Government postponing a decision?

Mr. Brooke

Not at all. I really think that it would be discourteous for the Government to make a statement about this, having told Parliament that they propose to await the advice of the University Grants Committee.

Mr. Rankin

Is it not the case that this matter is not being inquired into at all by the Rob-bins Committee?

Mr. Brooke

As I said, there is no need to wait for the advice of the Robbins Committee on this, but I do think that it would be right to await the advice of the University Grants Committee.

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