§ 37. Mr. Gregor Mackenzieasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans she has for university expansion in Scotland; and what is the estimated cost of this programme.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeThe University Grants Committee has allocated £7.3 million for building projects at Scottish 1422 universities in the 1970–71 and 1971–72 programmes. No decisions have yet been taken on any further expansion.
§ Mr. MackenzieIs the hon. Gentleman awere that the Scottish vice-chancellors are disturbed at the lack of evidence that the present Administration interest themselves in the whole problem of university expansion? In view of the cuts which have been made in the education programme and the policy of doing more school building, will he not devote more of his resources to the universities, particularly to engineering places in Scottish universities?
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeI think the hon. Gentleman knows that successive Secretaries of State are concerned only with the total value of the programme negotiated with the University Grants Committee. It is therefore not appropriate for me to comment upon the way in which the money is allocated within the total.
§ Mr. DouglasWill the Minister say what proportion of the building allocation to Scottish universities might be devoted to the Scottish Business School in the forthcoming year?
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeNot without notice.