§ Mr. Gowerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recommendation he has received from the University Grants Committee about the future of St. David's College, Lampeter; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Sir E. BoyleYes. The University Grants Committee have given a great deal of consideration to this question over a period of years. As they explained in their last Quinquennial Report (University Development, 1952–57), they would not think it right to recognise for grant an institution unconnected with a University unless that institution either was a potential University or could be brought into organic relationship with an existing University institution. They could not regard St. David's College as a potential University in its own right. They have, therefore, concentrated on encouraging the College to enter into organic relationship with a University institution and thus to enable them to assist it financially.
I am happy to say that agreement has been reached between the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire and St. David's College, under which the former will give the latter assistance in the academic field and sponsor its applications to the U.G.C. for financial assistance. This arrangement, which has been approved by the U.G.C., is to operate for 10 years, after which the position is to be reviewed, though the Committee would feel free to review the position at an earlier date if the University College requested them to do so. It covers only that section of St. David's College which is concerned with work for the B.A. Degree. It does not cover that section which is devoted to theological training and work for the B.D. Degree. The College will continue to award its own degrees.
95WAs a result of the conclusion of this agreement, the U.G.C. have recommended, and I have agreed, that Treasury grants should be made available to help St. David's College from the 1st August, 1961.