University Grants Committee

HC Deb 21 March 1963 vol 674 cc81-2W

12. Mr. Lubbock

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his policy regarding answering Questions relating to the detailed allocation of money by the University Grants Committee; and if he will, in future, answer such Questions in order to establish Parliamentary accountability for the work of this body.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The system by which, within totals decided by the Government, the detailed allocations to universities are made by the University Grants Committee and not by Ministers, is designed to combine Exchequer support for the universities with academic freedom. As the hon. Member will be aware, the organisation of higher education is under review by the Robbins Committee and it would in any event be quite unsound to make the sort of change the hon. Member suggests before we have its Report.