Bigger University And Research Grants Urged

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30738, 30 April 1965, Page 12

Bigger University And Research Grants Urged

A greater share of the gross national product must be devoted to the universities, research, and technology and the University Grants Committee should be given the opportunity to revise its grants more often than every five years, the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Nordmeyer) said in Christchurch yesterday afternoon.

Mr Nordmeyer had been asked how he would tackle growing demands for bigger university allocations—by higher taxation or by redistributing existing provisions of the Budget. He had just completed a full afternoon’s inspection of the new University of Canterbury campus at Ham with other Labour members of Parliament who are visiting Christchurch. “The first thing to recognise is that the demand for university accommodation has exceeded all expectations and that this is likely to continue,” said Mr Nordmeyer. “Estimates of expenditure on buildings, equipment and teaching services, arrived at in the light of assessments some

years ago, are obviously out-of-date. “It would seem that the University Grants Committee should have the opportunity of revising its estimates of expenditure more frequently. This might result in some difficulties in Government budgeting: but the problems could be overcome.

“It is particularly regretable that of all building expenditure (both Government and private) the axe has fallen on a certain university building which is already well behind schedule,” said Mr Nordmeyer. “The needs are so urgent that the Government should take immediate steps to revise its estimates, particularly capital expenditure, so as to ensure the more rapid completion of urgently-needed university accommodation.” Mr Nordmeyer was asked how he would finance this “escalation.” “1 think it is inevitable that the Government must increase the proportion of public funds given to the universities,” he said.

“The Labour Party’s policy says an increased share of the gross national product should be devoted to the universities, research, and technology."

Mr Nordmeyer was questioned more closely on his claim that university enrolment predictions were out-of-date as Canterbury was reported to be within the top limit.

“You can predict primary school requirements from the recent birth-rate. You can predict secondary school requirements from primary rolls. But you have no certain yardstick for the universities,” Mr Nordmeyer said. “All indications are that these rolls are growing more rapidly than expected.” Mr Nordmeyer said his party was greatly impressed with the School of Engineering, new School of Science to be ready next year, and plans for the third and final stages at Ham, scheduled for occupation in 1970. However, the Vice-Chancellor (Dr. L. L. Pownall) had constantly said that, unless all stages were completed on time, the Canterbury roll would completely outstrip accommodation.