Cuts In University Spending Denied

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31276, 24 January 1967, Page 12

Cuts In University Spending Denied

Suggestions that spending on New Zealand universities would be cut because of the economic situation were denied yesterday by the Minister of Education (Mr Kinsella).

Asked in Christchurch about recent speculation on university expenditure, the Minister said that education estimates were being prepared, and he could not foresee any reduction. There was so much to which the Government was committed that spending on education was more likely to

rise than decrease. However, the rate of inci-ease might not in the future be so steep, depending on the economic situation.

The Minister was also asked whether, as a result of the Government’s pre-election statement, any applications had been made for funds for independent school buildings. Mr Kinsella said the National Party had said it would continue the very considerable assistance already provided, and would also give, in appropriate Aases, State loans for the construction of school buildings. No applications had yet come before him, and when they did, they would be referred to him by the State Advances Corporation, Mr Kinsella said. Each case would be considered on its merits, and matters to be considered would include the magnitude of building projects and whether they would reduce the educational opportunity of other children in the area through fragmentation. The Minister visited, refresher courses for teachers at the School for the Deaf, Sumner, and at Lincoln College.