§ 46. Sir E. Boyleasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was he result of the urgent examination into tie possibility of creating a completely new technological university institution in tie North-East, which he announced in his statement of 24th February, 1965.
§ Mr. CroslandThis is still being examined.
§ Sir E. BoyleIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that his Answer is extremely disappointing, bearing in mind what he said about the urgent examination he was carrying out as long ago as February, 1965? This is one of the many matters which we shall certainly wish to raise in the university debate.
§ Mr. CroslandIt is an extremely serious question whether to create an entirely new university, expensive as that must be and at a time when we have 43 universities in this comparatively small country. Given how serious the question is, I make no apology at all for taking a reasonable time to consider it.
§ Mr. ShinwellWhen my right hon. Friend has come to a decision about this technical university, will he consider siting it in an appropriate place-for example, in the new town of Peterlee, in my constituency?
§ Mr. CroslandOne of the striking flings in this matter is how many appropriate places there appear to be.
§ Mr. R. W. ElliottIs the Minister aware that during the General Election campaign Labour candidates in the North-East made a great deal of propaganda value out of this proposal and many others which have not been implemented? Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the North-East demands action, not words, from the right hon. Gentleman?
§ Mr. CroslandLabour candidates generally put up a very good case on all aspects of Government policy.