HC Deb 03 December 1963 vol 685 cc951-2
1. Mr. Boyden

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many applicants with two A level general certificate of education passes were reported by the University Clearing House as having failed to secure a university place this autumn.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Alan Green)

I understand that the University Central Council on Admissions will report on this year's operations early next year. The Council is responsible to the universities, not to the Government.

Mr. Boyden

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the strictures in the Report of the Robbins Committee about the absence of figures which the Government can use? Will he give an assurance that the collection of this sort of figure will be very much speeded up and, what is more important, will he give an assurance that the thousands of students who have not secured admission will be guaranteed a place in the next year?

Mr. Green

Of course we are interested in these figures when they are produced. I must repeat that this is the responsibility of the universities. The Council is responsible to the universities and not to the Government. I repeat that we await these figures with interest ourselves.

Dr. King

Surely the Minister has some responsibility to the House for the money that he gives to the University Grants Committee? Will he bear in mind that this information is of serious importance to all who believe in university education?

Mr. Green

Of course it is of importance. I have already accepted that it is. I am sure that the hon. Member will agree that the maintenance of academic freedom is also important, and we must not undermine it in any way.