§ Mr. G. Johnson Smithasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to make a statement about university building programmes for the years 1964 and 1965.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterUnder the programme announced on the 25th January, 1961, for the four years 1962–65, authority was given for the universities to make Exchequer-financed building plans on a basis of starts of £30 million in each of the years 1964 and 1965, but the figures were not finally settled, though they were not to be less than £25 million. I have already announced an increase of £5 million in the building starts programme for 1963 to meet increases in building costs.
36WThe University Grants Committee has now advised me that the value of work started in 1964 and 1965 should also be increased if the objective of a student population of about 150,000 in 1966–67 is to be achieved. I have therefore authorised an increase in the value of the 1964 programme to £33½ million; and have authorised the Committee to invite the universities to plan on the basis that work to the same value will be started in 1965, although at present the precise figure for that year must be provisional and subject to review in the Light of the development of the national economy. These increases include provision for increased costs in the Imperial College Jubilee Scheme, which is financed outside the normal university building programme; but exclude the cost of sites, professional fees, and equipment.
In allocating these building programmes the University Grants Committee has had special regard to the need to relate them as far as possible to student expansion.