§ Sir R. Russellasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give an account of the work of the Inter-University Council for Higher Education in 1970–71; and what is the council's programme for 1971–72.
§ Mr. WoodThe Inter-University Council consists of representatives of all British universities and was incorporated as an independent legal body in October. 1970. with a view to its staff and activities being strengthened. The purpose of its expenditure of £954,000 during 1970–71 was to assist overseas universities, mainly in Commonwealth countries, principally in the following ways: recruitment of staff, advisory visits by British academics, assistance with local staff development, and training overseas staff in this country.
The Council is also the main source of advice to the Overseas Development Administration over the whole field of financial and technical aid to universities associated with it. During the present financial year it will receive a grant-in-aid of £1,148,000 for the purpose of continuing and expanding its activities.