So why was the Geology department at Aberystwyth really closed in the 1980s?

This is the dilemma in research grant awarding and shows that research is specialised where there is ongoing expertise in a given subject. If that cannot be sustained then these subjects become external subjects and for ones such as these the dilemma is without relevant training is that a valid subject unless you are working in that given field.

So what is it to be low tuition fees for full time HE courses or high enough academic salaries or in isolated locations, housing for academics within the relevant county councils Unitary Development Plan, supported by the Devolved government as in the countries economic interest.

That is the dilemma now facing England and the reason to prevent Al Queada 'bogus colleges' for an English Parliament whereby universities can borrow according to devolved guidleines set by the relevant legislature. Can spending be on infrastrcuture and current expenditure at the same time or is that bad economics.