§ Mr. Hornbyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has now received a report from the University Grants Committee about the need for more new universities.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydYes. The University Grants Committee have advised me that, within the scope of the building programme which I have already announced, four new universities, in addition to those which are already being established at Brighton, Norwich, and York, should be established as the best means of providing places for some of the increased number of students who will be coming forward in the coming years. The Committee have advised that three of the four should be at Canterbury, Colchester, and Coventry. They are considering where the fourth should be located, and hope to report on this in the next two or three months.
It is the Committee's view that the question of the establishment of any more new universities beyond these four must await the report of the Committee on Higher Education under Lord Robbins. I should explain that the University Grants Committee are not proposing any new university for Scotland because it is expected that the expansion of the existing Scottish institutions, under the building programme I have already authorised, will provide the additional places needed.
I have accepted this advice. In working out the detailed proposals, the promoters will take into account the existing provision and plans for other forms of higher education in the areas concerned. I have authorised the University Grants Committee to enter 161W into discussions accordingly with the Promotion Committees in Kent, Essex, and Warwickshire.