The University Grants Committee

The University Grants Committee has existed under this title since I919, when it was established with the terms of reference enquire into the financial needs of university education in the United Kingdom and to advise the Government as to the application of any grants that may be made by Parliament towards meeting them. In this article not all aspects of the work of the Committee can be discussed. An attempt will be made to deal with these questions: (I) What were the origins of the University Grants Committee? (2) Why was the Committee placed under the aegis of the Treasury? (3) What changes in membership have been made during the Committee's existence? What is the significance of such changes? (4) What major changes have occurred in the work of the Committee since I946? (5) How has the Committee acted as a 'buffer' between the Government and the universities?