HC Deb 13 April 1967 vol 744 cc1361-2
33. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will introduce legislation to enable students to share in the management of the universities at which they are studying, and to participate in the adjudication of alleged misdemeanours by students.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Woolwich, West (Mr. Hamling) on 10th February.—[Vol. 740, c. 392.]

Mr. Hughes

Does not my hon. Friend realise that that was a very unsatisfactory reply, in view of the fact that certain recent cases have indicated a dictatorial deprivation of students of part of their education by the imposition of unjust sentences? Will my hon. Friend take that into account and see that the proper rule of justice is applied in those cases?

Mr. Roberts

There is no existing general legislation relevant to university government, and it is questionable how far the Department should intervene, and if it did so, to what extent it might interfere with university independence, but my right hon. Friend and I are very alive to the question which my hon. and learned Friend has mentioned, and we are continually watching the situation and doing our best to encourage a better climate of opinion on both sides.

Sir E. Boyle

Would the hon. Gentleman agree that while the whole question of staff-student relationship is very important, and indeed is actively being discussed in many quarters, such as the World University Service, this is one of the least helpful suggestions for legislation which has been put before the House for a long time?

Mr. Roberts

I agree generally with what the right hon. Gentleman said.

Mr. Hughes

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I give notice that with your permission, Mr. Speaker, I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.