§ 43. Mr. Lawsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consideration he gives to representations sent to the Committee of the Privy Council on the subject of petitions for the grant of charters to Scottish universities.
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§ Lady TweedsmuirAs one of the Privy Counsellors concerned, my right hon. Friend gives full consideration to such representations.
§ 44. Mr. Willisasked the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many occasions since the commencement of 1963 he has had consultations with the University Grants Committee concerning the Scottish universities.
§ 46. Mr. Smallasked the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many occasions since 1st January, 1963, he has had consultations with the University Grants Committee concerning Scottish university matters.
§ Lady TweedsmuirMy Departments are in frequent contact with the University Grants Committee on questions of mutual concern.
§ 47. Mr. J. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the scope of the discussions between his Department and the University Grants Committee on the siting of a new university in Scotland.
§ Lady TweedsmuirI would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given by my right hon. Friend on 11th March.
§ 53. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consideration he has been asked to give to the establishment of a university in the Highlands; and if, when consulted on the site for a new university, he will give particular weight to the value of a university in the Highlands as the basis of an industry, centred on the development, expanding needs and activities of such a project in an area of continuing depopulation and under-development.
§ Lady TweedsmuirMy right hon. Friend has received a number of letters suggesting that a new university should be sited at Inverness. All relevant factors will be taken into account in considering the advice which is to be given on the matter by the University Grants Committee.
§ 55. Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland by what principles he will be guided, in so far as his future responsibilities are concerned, in any future decision on the granting of 174W a charter to any Scottish university; and what machinery will be set up in order to take Scottish interests into account.
§ Lady TweedsmuirSuch a decision is a matter for the Privy Council, and it would be impracticable in answer to a Question to enumerate the factors to be taken into account. Present arrangements for consultation ensure that all relevant Scottish considerations are included.