asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consideration he has given to the establishment of a second university in the Liverpool area which would be a technological university, following his predecessor's discussions on the subject.

The University Grants Committee and the Advisory Council on Scientific Policy have submitted their advice on the whole question of the development of technological education, and I am giving this urgent consideration.

When this matter is considered, will my right hon. Friend take into account the fact that Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham have had the advantage of having colleges of advanced technology while there has not been one on Merseyside?

Certainly, Sir.

How soon does the right hon. Gentleman expect to be able to make a statement, or some announcement, on the whole subject?

I do not think that I can give an exact date, but I shall try not to delay it more than is unavoidable.