§ Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has now received from the National Union of Students and from the Union of Students in Ireland concerning the closure of Magee University; what replies he has sent; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChannonMy right hon. Friend has received written representations from both unions and I have met deputations from them. I explained that the university authorities had taken the decision because of declining enrolment and staff difficulties and that the Government had no power to intervene in matters affecting academic freedom. The Government were considering sympathetically proposals for expenditure for the new Institute of Continuing Education to ensure the future of Magee as a constituent college of the new University of Ulster.