The process, to which the Barlow Committee on scientific educa-
tion pointed, of creating new university colleges and raising some of the existing ones to the status of universities develops slowly, but I hear most encouraging reports of the projected college at Stoke-on-Trent. The University Grants Committee has indicated its approval (to which it will no doubt give appropriate financial expression), Lord Lindsay of Birker, who relinquishes the Master- ship of Balliol at the end of the present academic year, has agreed to become Principal, a large mansion in rural surroundings, with a military camp with accommodation for 2,000, is adjacent. All that is wanting is a charter, and that will be granted in due course. This university college will serve a large population in the Five Towns area. It will be primarily technical, for the benefit of local indus- tries like pottery and light engineering, but will provide a fully rounded curriculum. It hopes, moreover, to enjoy one advantage which I believe will be unique. The difference between a university and a university college is that while the former can confer degrees the latter cannot. Stoke-on-Trent is to be able to confer a B.A. degree. That, if it materialises,, will be a very interesting departure.
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