§ 4. Mr. Laneasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress there has been in his discussions with the Association of University Teachers; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mr. Edward Short)I refer the hon. Member to my Written Reply to my hon. Friend, the Member for Bradford, North (Mr. Ford) on 27th February.—[Vol. 778, c. 364–5.]
§ Mr. LaneI have seen that Reply, but in view of the strength of feeling among the university teachers will the right hon. Gentleman and his colleagues make sure that there is the utmost urgency in the discussions? Does he agree that one possible solution may be a special type of review body, such as that for doctors and dentists?
§ Mr. ShortI agree that there is a good deal of urgency in the matter, but the hon. Gentleman will also agree that it is very complicated. I have very carefully studied the proposal he put forward in our debate in January.