§ 18. Mr. van Straubenzeeasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proposals he has for implementing the recommendations of the Report of the Select Committee on Education and Science on universities and colleges and their relations with students.
§ Mr. Edward ShortThis Report makes some very far-reaching suggestions for changing the organisation and government of higher education. These suggestions will no doubt be studied by a great many people. The hon. Members will not expect me to announce a new policy or major legislation on these matters today.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeWhile the House would naturally accept the Secretary of State's last words, may I ask whether he has been able at least to give a preliminary costing to the Select Committee's Report, with particular reference to bringing a common level to students' union grants?
§ Mr. ShortI think that the Select Committee made 58 recommendations altogether. A great many are not for the Government but for the universities and colleges. However, we are looking at them very carefully. We have not done the costing, but the hon. Gentleman will be pleased to know that what we are costing is the 156 recommendations that have come during the past 12 months from the party opposite for increased expenditure.