Students Work On Accommodation

Students' Accommodation problems are receiving attention from the Accommodation subcommittee which met recently to gauge the problem.

Dr. Culliford, who had been invited to the meeting, chaired by Margaret Kemp, said that the University Council is actively negotiating to obtain sites for two religious bodies to build hostels.

The intention Is to accommodate an equal number of male and female students in each, with a total of 500 places. He added that there was a third body In the process of delicate negotiations for a site. It is also intended that Weir House be extended.

An optimistic assumption of 750 more places in hostels becoming available in the next five years will still mean that we can only Just satisfy that proportion of the demand we are satisfying now. Three thousand places will be needed then.

Discussing finance for halls. Dr. Culliford explained the need for numerous small donations, since there are not many more William Weirs who might leave £70,000 for buildings.

A land agent, Mr Gordon said landlords were in the habit of placing a cover charge of about 30-a week on student flats to cover the cost of damage. He maintained that it would be a treat advantage if students were to set up a body which could serve as a guarantor of students for landlords. Landlords would then know that there was a body which would pay for any damage, and consequently would probably remove their cover charge. Alister Taylor was asked to consider ways of implementing such a scheme.

Peter McKinley was asked to prepare a report on finance.

After a discussion on the suitability of the Students' Association buying up old houses and using them as flats, John McMurray was asked to study the possibilities.

During discussion. Mr. Gordon pointed out that the price of flats was considerably higher in the city area—near the University—than in the outlying suburbs. Five pounds was what he considered a highpriced flat, and it was possible, in his opinion, under circumstances which students could bring about, for them to be cheaper.

Dr. Culliford Indicated that eventually buses might be run from the railway station directly to the University to cater for people living along the line. Firstly, though, it was necessary to know how many students could use such a service.