HC Deb 22 March 1962 vol 656 cc535-7
6. Mr. Hannan

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the continuing increase in the number of senior secondary school students with certificates of fitness for entry to university; and if he will now reconsider his decision regarding the provision of another university for Scotland.

9. Mr. Cordle

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he now expects to receive the report of the Robbins Committee on Higher Education; and. in view of the continuing increase in the number of students seeking admission to universities and the insufficient vacancies now available for such students, if he will consult the University Grants Committee with a view to authorising the establishment of a further university, if possible in the south-west in advance of receiving the Robbins Committee's report.

46. Mr. Rankin

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his new financial provisions for university expansion during the next five years allow for another university in Scotland: and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Brooke

The question of establishing new university institutions in addition to the seven founded in the last five years cannot, in the Government's view, be properly considered until the report of Lord Robbins Committee is available next year.

Mr. Hannan

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the decision to approve new universities in England and Wales was taken while the Robbins Committee was sitting? Why should there be this distinction between the treatment of North and South? Is he not aware of the increasing number of young people who could make a significant contribution towards overcoming the shortage of teachers and of the growing anger among parents and lecturers? In view of that, will he reconsider the decision in advance of the Robbins Committee's report.

Mr. Brooke

No, Sir. I feel sure that now that the Robbins Committee is sitting it would be desirable not to reach any decision about founding new universities until we have its report.

Mr. Rankin

Is the right hon. Gentleman telling us that he is bound by the decision of the Robbins Committee? Does he realise that, in the educational sense, 1961 was the greatest year ever known south of the Border while north of the Border Scotland entered the winter of its educational discontent? Does he realise that the situation is widely deplored by a great body of organised and non-organised opinion in Scotland, and that among these is the editor of a great Conservative newspaper, the Glasgow Herald? In view of all this protest against the Government's decision, will not he give some thought to the provision of another university for Scotland before the Robbins Committee reports?

Mr. Brooke

I have tried to give thought to all these things, but it appeared that Scotland was proportionately better supplied with university places than was England. However, I say quite frankly that all this will be considered afresh when we have the advantage of the guidance of the Robbins Committee.

Mr. Speaker

At the cost of being tedious, I must renew my request to hon. Members in the general interest to make supplementary questions short.

Mr. Willey

In view of the congestion caused by the rejection of the U.T.C. recommendations and the fact that we cannot get the Robbins Committee's report for eighteen months, will the right hon. Gentleman immediately set up a working party to report on the likely effects of the action of the Government on the present universities, let alone the new universities?

Mr. Brooke

No, Sir. As the Government have just announced, there is a very striking increase in the recurrent grants for the next five years.

Mr. Malcolm MacPherson

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the problem being met by the establishment of the new universities was a problem which was apparent ten years ago and more? Is it not unfortunate that the Minister should seek to delay decisions for the Robbins Committee's report, or for any other reason?

Mr. Brooke

No, Sir. We have already provided 20,000 additional university places in the last five years and are planning to provide another 40,000 in the next five years.

Miss Herbison

Is the Minister aware that all the information has been available for a number of years as to the shortage of places in Scottish universities? Is he aware that when there is such a great need for educated manpower, many who could help to swell the pool, are being denied this chance in Scotland? With all the information that he already has, surely he need not wait until the Robbins Committee reports.

Mr. Brooke

With respect, I cannot add to my previous answer.

Mr. Hannan

In view of the inadequate reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.