§ 15. Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will now name the university with which he is hoping to establish links for Sandhurst.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Army (Mr. James Boyden)I have nothing to add to the Answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence for Administration on 28th February.—[Vol. 778, c. 372–3.]
§ Mr. DalyellI give my right hon. Friends full credit for the bold and imaginative link which they have created in the Defence Review between higher education and the Services. Are they aware, however, that some people are mildly bothered about those individuals who may legitimately change their minds about a Service career during the time that they are undertaking higher education?
§ Mr. BoydenI am grateful for what my hon. Friend says. If this negotiation is successful, it will help very much in that respect.
§ Mr. RipponI welcome the concept of links with the universities in the way suggested. However, can the Minister give an assurance that the independent status of the Service colleges will still be maintained?
§ Mr. BoydenThis will be a help towards that end.