Sir Robert Wynne-Edwards (Past Chairman, CEI): To understand the Council of Engineering Institutions one needs to consider first the historical development. When, 150 years ago, the Institution of Civil Engineers was formed it was set up to provide a forum where engineers could meet and discuss matters relative to any branch of engineering and where young men could attend to become educated in the profession. Unlike its counterpart in other countries it had no government sponsorship and at that time there was no academic teaching in engineering in Britain.