Abstract
A REPORT on the scheme for the establishment, in London, of an institute for advanced technological instruction and research, recently put forward by Lord Rosebery, was presented to the London County Council on Tuesday. It will be remembered that the offer was made of land, buildings, and equipment required for such an institution to the value of 500,000l, with the promise to secure other funds for both capital outlay and maintenance, provided that the council would express, in general terms, its willingness to contribute, when the buildings were equipped and ready to be opened, a sum of 20,000l. a year towards the maintenance of the'educational work. In referring to these proposals in our issue of July 2 (p. 203), we pointed out the importance of coordinating the work of such an institute with that of the University of London, and expressed the opinion that the development of both was a national concern, and ought not to depend upon the contributions of the County Council. We are glad to see that the committee of the council appointed to consider the scheme regard substantial assistance from the State as an essential condition of support, and think the council should not lend any encouragement to the idea that the whole of the cost of maintenance could be provided from London sources. The following recommendations of the committee were adopted by the council at Tuesday's meeting:—(a) That the council expresses its high appreciation of the important proposal contained in Lord Rosebery's letter, and would cordially welcome the establishment of further provision in London for advanced technological teaching and research, (b) That the council, in response to the request contained in Lord Rosebery's letter, places on record its opinion that, when the land, buildings, and equipment for the proposed additional technological teaching and research are provided to a value of not less than 500,000l., the council will be well advised to contribute, out of the moneys annually placed at its disposal under the Local Taxation (Customs and Excise) Act of 1890, a sum not exceeding 20,000l. per annum towards such part of the work as falls within the statutory definition of technical education, subject to the following conditions:—(1) That a scheme be prepared to the satisfaction of the council for the constitution of the governing body and the adequate representation of the council thereon; (2) that financial arrangements adequate to the whole maintenance of the proposed work are made to the satisfaction of the council; (3) that, in view of the national scope and utility of the proposed work, substantial contributions towards maintenance be made from funds of a national character; (4) that due provision be made in the scheme to prevent overlapping and secure coordination of the work already carried on by the university colleges, polytechnics, and other science and technological institutions, and the proper connection of the whole with the university; (5) that a sufficient number of scholarships, including free places, be placed at the disposal of the council; (6) that it be considered whether other counties and boroughs should not be invited to contribute towards the maintenance, receiving in return the right to send their picked scholars for instruction under the proposed scheme.
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University and Educational Intelligence . Nature 68, 286–287 (1903). https://doi.org/10.1038/068286a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/068286a0