HC Deb 03 May 1972 vol 836 cc370-1
11. Mr. Dempsey

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when and where he proposes to construct a new Scottish business school for the purpose of training in management and business methods; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Monro

I understand that the Scottish Business School based on the Universities of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Strathclyde has made a good start, and that the University Grants Committee and the Council of Industry for Management Education will each be contributing to the capital cost of a new building to be erected on the Strathclyde site.

Mr. Dempsey

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that the existing fragmented efforts at management instruction and the lack of uniform direction and control leave a lot to be desired if we are to succeed in capturing the markets of Europe and elsewhere? Does he not think that we need a Scottish business school now, run on the same lines as Harvard Business School, where modern methods and management techniques can be taught, leading to a diploma or degree?

Mr. Monro

I appreciate what the hon. Gentleman is saying, and that is why we are anxious to get ahead with the construction of this new building in 1973, but that does not mean that there is not a great deal going on now. All the universities are involved, as are some of the colleges of further education and my Department will shortly be publishing a guide entitled "Management Education" which I hope will bring home to all the people of Scotland the opportunities that we are giving them.

Mr. MacArthur

Will my hon. Friend welcome the recognition by the hon. Member for Coatbridge and Airdrie (Mr. Dempsey) of the great opportunities for Scotland inside the Common Market?

Mr. Monro

I am sure that, given an opportunity, as he will be later today, he will do so.

Mr. Douglas

Will the hon. Gentleman recognise that there is a serious problem in relation to the Scottish Business School? The three universities concerned ought to be brought together and there ought to be one clear head for this business school. While it is the direct responsibility of the UGC and the universities, will the hon. Gentleman's Department use its good offices to see that what I am suggesting is done?

Mr. Monro

I think the hon. Gentleman appreciates that a great deal is being done, particularly in view of the fact that this new school got off the ground only this session. I think that by next year we shall see a big increase on the present total of 700 students, which will develop as the new school is built.