HC Deb 24 March 1982 vol 20 cc914-5
2. Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations he has received about the possible closure of the student residences at the former Hamilton college of education; and if any of them has supported closure.

The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Alexander Fletcher)

I have received 23—none of them supporting closure.

Mr. Robertson

Does the Minister yet know how many students use the residences in Hamilton and from how many West of Scotland colleges they come? Will he now stop pretending that he and his Department have nothing to do with the sale of these residences and start taking some action to prevent them being sold off to the highest bidding speculator, who might be interested in them simply as commercial properties?

Mr. Fletcher

Of course the Scottish Education Department is concerned with the sale of the former Hamilton college buildings. However, it is not the responsibility of the new owner, Jordanhill, to maintain student residences in Hamilton for students who are not within its college. The great majority of students now using hostel accommodation go to other colleges. It would be very welcome if one of the other institutions were to bid to take over hostel accommodation, but we cannot force one of them to do so.

Mr. Henderson

Is it not the case that of the students and residents at Hamilton—they number about 500—only 70 are currently going to colleges of education, and that by the end of this session none will do that? To which educational institutions do the bulk of the 500 go, and why are those institutions not taking on these residences?

Mr. Fletcher

I cannot reply to the latter point, but most of the students are attending universities and colleges in the West of Scotland. The bulk are in colleges of education controlled by Strathclyde regional council, which may or may not take an interest in acquiring the hostel accommodation. That is entirely a matter for the council. My hon. Friend's figure of 70 is about correct.

Mr. Russell Johnston

Although the Minister said that he cannot force any of the other colleges or institutions using the hostels to take them over, is he willing to do anything to persuade them?

Mr. Fletcher

The best persuasion that the Government can use is to ask them to bear in mind that the availability of the Hamilton college is well known. It has been publicly advertised. All the institutions in the area, and others that may be interested in acquiring the premises, are fully aware that the premises are up for disposal. I believe that that is as much as can be done. Obviously we shall be interested in discussing the matter with any interested party.