§ 4. Mr. Emeryasked the Minister for the Civil Service what steps have been taken towards the formation of a Civil 4 Service College; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. George ThomsonI have been asked to reply.
Advertisements inviting applications for the post of Principal of the College appeared last week and, if the person appointed can take up his duties by the beginning of 1970, it should be possible to set up the College in September, 1970. As the hon. Gentleman will know, Sunningdale Park is to be one of the centres of the College.
§ Mr. EmeryI welcome that announcement, which I feel has been stimulated by my Question. In the working of this College, is it hoped to have direct connections with universities, for example, Oxford or London, and, if so, will an announcement be made about that?
§ Mr. ThomsonOn this matter, the hon. Gentleman and my right hon. Friends who are responsible are marching forward together at a reasonable pace. It is very much in mind that the questions related to the siting of the centres of the College should be closely linked with university centres.