§ 31. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has studied the resolution passed by the Annual General Meeting of the Educational Institute of Scotland on 7th June, 1963, and then sent to him, asking for the immediate expansion of Scottish universities so that more places may be available for Scottish students; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. NobleThe letter containing this resolution has been acknowledged, and I have brought it to the attention of my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, who is responsible for grants to universities.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that he is not doing enough? The resolution mentioned in my Question is only part of a wide and strong demand for university expansion in Scotland, not only in the interests of trade, industry and commerce, but in the interests of the learned professions in Scotland who serve the public so well. Will the right hon. Gentleman redouble his efforts to help more university expansion more quickly?
§ Mr. NobleAs the hon. and learned Gentleman knows, questions about the availability of university places should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary, who recently received a deputation from the National Committee for a new university in Scotland.
§ Miss Harvie AndersonIs my right hon. Friend aware of the feelings of many parents in this connection regarding university places?
§ Mr. NobleYes, Sir. I am indeed aware that many parents are worried about the problem, but I think it is fair to say that the funds which my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary has made available have enabled the Scottish universities and the Royal College of Science and Technology to plan an expansion of over 30 per cent. in the current quinquennium, from about 18,300 in 1961–62 to over 24,000 in 1966–67.