§ Sir E. Graham-Littleasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now make a statement as to his intentions regarding the forthcoming grant to the universities?
§ Sir K. WoodYes, Sir. The House will recall that, although the impact of the war on university finance has so far been less severe than was expected, the Government has maintained unchanged the annual provision for university grants at £2,149,000. This policy was adopted in view of the vital part played by the universities in the life of the country, their essential contributions towards the national effort in war-time, and the prospect that immediately after the war they will be faced with very large demands on their funds in order to resume normal activities. These considerations have lost none of their force and the Government, after considering a report from the University Grants Committee, have again decided to maintain the provision at its existing level.