HC Deb 26 March 1964 vol 692 cc641-2
24. Mr. P. Williams

asked the Minister of Education when Sunderland's technical college will be recognised as a college of advanced technology.

Sir E. Boyle

I am fully aware of the progress made by the Sunderland Technical College, but in the light of the Robbins Report the designation of another C.A.T. would not be possible, since this would imply, in effect, the designation of a new university.

The possible establishment of a new university in the North-East or elsewhere is a matter for consideration in due course by the University Grants Committee.

Mr. P. Williams

Will my right hon. Friend take it from me that this is still altogether unsatisfactory? The North-East has one college of advanced technology. Sunderland has the largest college of such a type in the country, nearly four times as big as one of the universities, and is providing courses of a very high standard. Is not this a decision which cannot go on being postponed, for postponement destroys the moral fibre of those who are teaching and working, in these colleges? Is not this something which needs urgent attention?

Sir E. Boyle

When I was last in the North-East, I explained fully, by all the media available to me, why, in the light of the Robbins Report, the designation of another C.A.T. would not be possible, and I was also careful to emphasise the large amount of first degree work being carried out at Sunderland and Rutherford College; and the Constantine College at Middlesbrough. The fact remains that at this moment it is not possible to designate another C.A.T.