§ Mr. Cobbasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent it has now been found necessary to curtail the plans of the universities for post-war extension, why no reference to this curtailment was made in the recent White Paper on cuts in capital expenditure, and what will be the consequences with regard to the reduced output of scientific manpower.
§ Sir S. CrippsNo reference was made in the White Paper on Capital Investment in 1948 to any curtailment in the plans for the expansion of the universities because, as my predecessor stated on 28th October last, it was hoped to carry out the programme of capital development to which he referred in March. Shortages of certain materials, particularly steel, may somewhat delay the carrying out of the programme.