UNIVERSITY OF RHODESIA AND NYASALAND (Hansard, 16 April 1964)

§ THE EARL OF LISTOWEL
My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS AND FOR THE COLONIES (THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE)
My Lords, the noble Earl will no doubt have read the text of the communiqué which was issued in Salisbury on April 14. The British and Southern Rhodesia Governments require more time to consider the financial problems between themselves. However, a further statement will be issued as soon as the inter-governmental consultations have been completed. If a satisfactory conclusion is reached between the Governments, as I hope it will be, no resumption of the conference will be necessary.

§ THE EARL OF LISTOWEL
But, my Lords, are the Government aware that the text of the statement that was made after the conference contained absolutely nothing about the Government's proposals at the conference—absolutely nothing at all? Are the Government further aware that the University of Rhodesia and Nyasaland is running down, that its funds will be used up by the end of next year, and that, unless something is done soon, the staff will leave to take up appointments elsewhere? Are the Government also aware 570 that this University is essential to Central Africa, if these Central African countries are to have the administrative and professional personnel they will need in the critical months and years immediately after independence?

THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE
My Lords, the Government are acutely aware of all the three points raised by the noble Earl.

§ LORD OGMORE
My Lords, may I strongly reinforce what the noble Earl has said? Is it not a fact that, if this University is not continued in full spate, there will be a disastrous situation in Central Africa? Will the noble Duke use every effort to try to persuade not only the Government of Southern Rhodesia, but also the Governments of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, to take a considerable interest in the continuation of this University?

THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE
My Lords, much as I should like to be able to give a reassuring answer to the noble Lord on the latter part of his question, I think we must face the fact that, at any rate for the time being, there is no possibility of further co-operation in the University by Northern Rhodesia or Nyasaland. I regret it, but there it is, and I should be misleading the noble Lord if I said that I thought there was any hope at the present stage. Therefore, these negotiations have had to be conducted between the Southern Rhodesian Government, the University authorities and ourselves. I do not wish to add to what I have already said, but I would reassure the noble Earl and the noble Lord that we are aware of the urgency of the problem.

§ THE EARL OF SWINTON
My Lords, having had a good deal to do with the establishment of this University—which I agree with the noble Lords who have spoken is quite unique and absolutely essential to Central Africa—may I say this? While I appreciate that there must be time for further discussion, what would be perfectly, absolutely fatal would be that there should be a rundown of the University while conversations are going on. As this question is quite unique, and cannot in any way create a precedent, will the Government not give an undertaking that they will 571 give a financial assurance that the University will be able to carry on efficiently and effectively while the necessary negotiations are taking place?

THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE
I think, my Lords, that, in essence, this is a financial problem; there are very considerable sums of money involved. At the risk of gross repetition, I can only say that I, and indeed the Government, are acutely aware of all the points raised by my noble friend and by other noble Lords, and that we expect and believe that we shall be able to make a further statement in the very near future.

§ LORD ALPORT
My Lords, may I ask my noble friend whether it is not true that a certain sum of money left over from original funds was available—I think £400,000—and that that is in fact sufficient to enable this University to carry on at its present level of activity, at any rate until the financial negotiations are completed?

THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE
My Lords, I think it fair to say that there are sufficient funds for the University to continue, at any rate until the end of this scholastic year. At the same time, I am aware of the point made by noble Lords opposite, that there is the danger of a run-down of the staff. This is an urgent problem and I can only repeat that it is being treated in an urgent manner.

§ THE EARL OF LISTOWEL
My Lords, when the noble Duke talks of "the very near future", does he mean that agreement will be reached between the Governments before the Summer Recess; and, if so, will the Government be prepared to make a further statement in the House?

THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE
My Lords, I very much hope that agreement will be reached, and a decision one way or the other will certainly come very much before the Summer Recess. I sincerely hope that there will be agreement, and this is a matter to which the Government are giving urgent consideration. A decision one way or the other will come very much sooner than the Summer Recess.

LORD HAWKE
My Lords, is my noble friend aware that there are some dozen Fairbridge scholars from this country studying in the University at the moment? They will naturally be in some state of anxiety as to whether they will be able to complete their University courses. Furthermore, there are a considerable number of applicants for next year's scholarships, and, unless they are given some reply as to the future of the University, they will perhaps be in two boats as to whether or not they can get into an English University.

THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE
My Lords, I had hoped I had made it clear that I was acutely conscious of the anxiety that the future of this University is giving. I am aware of the twelve Fairbridge scholars. They, too, are worried. Everybody is worried about this matter, not least Her Majesty's Government.