HC Deb 20 February 1964 vol 689 cc1369-70
4. Mr. Barnett

asked the Minister of Education whether he will consider siting a college of advanced technology in the Weymouth area.

Sir E. Boyle

It is not the Government's intention to establish any new colleges of advanced technology as such. At the Government's request the University Grants Committee is considering, in the context of a 10-year programme of university development, the recommendation of the Robbins Committee for the foundation of new universities, but I cannot anticipate what advice it will give.

Mr. Barnett

Will the Minister please bear in mind the possibility of this area in view of the fact that the nearest universities, Bristol, Southampton and Exeter, are all in the region of 60 miles away that this is an area of growing population and also of developing industry, both engineering and atomic energy, and that these industries would benefit enormously from the existence of a university or college of this kind with a bent towards engineering and, perhaps, scientific research?

Sir E. Boyle

I will draw the attention of the University Grants Committee to the hon. Gentleman's supplementary Question.