HC Deb 12 February 1963 vol 671 cc1105-6
15. Mr. Warbey

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the small proportion of Government-assisted university expenditure devoted to research and study in the fields of world government and supra-national relations, compared with that devoted to study of war strategy technique and research related to weapon development; and if he will make direct grants to universities specifically earmarked for study of, and research into, the former subjects.

Mr. Barber

The emphasis on particular subjects for study and research in universities is for the universities themselves to decide.

Mr. Warbey

I am aware of that and, after all, the Government give direct grants. Would not the hon. Gentleman agree that it would be a bad thing if the British universities were to follow the American example of allowing themselves to be drawn in in a big way into the war game, breeding a new race of so-called "defence intellectuals"? Would it not be better for the Government to promote, in matters over which they can legitimately exercise influence, more important studies into the growth of the institutions of world community?

Mr. Barber

I think that the hon. Member has misunderstood completely the situation in the United Kingdom. The fact is that by far the greater part of research into weapons is carried out under the heading of Government defence expenditure. I am not aware of any figures showing the extent to which such research is financed by universities with U.G.C. grants, but I would expect it to be minimal and, possibly, non-existent.

Mr. G. M. Thomson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that one of his predecessors gave me a sympathetic Answer to a similar Question some time ago and said that he would await with interest any proposals put to the Government by the University Grants Committee and the university authorities? has the university world responded to that suggestion, which could be useful for research into world government and allied subjects?

Mr. Barber

That is another question. This Question is concerned with expenditure devoted to study of war strategy technique and research related to weapon development.

Mr. Speaker

Question No. 16—Mr. Dempsey.

Mr. Warbey

On a point of order. Is it in order for the Financial Secretary to read out one part of a Question, ignoring the first part altogether, as he has just done in his reply to my supplementary question?

Mr. Speaker

There is nothing out of order if a Minister does not answer at all. That follows from the fact that I cannot make him answer.