§ Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the proposal to establish a University of the South Pacific in Fiji.
§ Mr. BowdenThe Government have had under consideration the recommendation of the Mission under the chairmanship of Sir Charles (now Lord) Morris that a comprehensive university institution to serve the needs of the English-speaking territories in the South Pacific area should be established at Laucala Bay in Fiji. In this consideration the British Government has had available also a report by Sir Norman Alexander.
After consulting my right hon. Friend the Minister for Overseas Development, I have informed the Government of Fiji that in view of the general desire that a university on the lines recommended by the Morris Mission should be established in Fiji and bearing in mind the generous offer of the New Zealand Government to make available free of charge to the proposed university the installations of the R.N.Z.A.F. base at Laucala Bay, the British Government would be prepared to offer, subject to the approval of Parliament (including approval of any necessary legislation) £1,250,000 sterling to be made available over a period of some five years towards the initial costs of the university, including related institutes, of which up to £500,000 could if necessary be devoted to recurrent costs. In addition the British Government would be prepared to consider negotiation of an agreement under the British Expatriates' Supplementation Scheme by which they would for a time meet pare of the expatriate cost of employing British staff in the university.
The provision of assistance is subject to a firm decision by the Fiji Government after such consultation as it may find necessary with other Governments in the region to proceed with the establishment of the university and to assume responsibility for securing its costs.