HC Deb 11 March 1970 vol 797 cc1343-4
44. Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

asked the Lord President of the Council by what authority the Privy Council regulates the administration of universities.

Mr. Peart

The Privy Council does not regulate the administration of universities. Its authority to approve amendments to university charters and statutes generally derives from the charters themselves, but in some cases it is statutory.

Mr. Mallalieu

Could my right hon. Friend use these powers, such as they are, to initiate reforms in the University of Warwick, especially in the matter of keeping political files on students?

Mr. Peart

I am responsible for the membership of university bodies, and Warwick University is included. I am glad that my former university vice- chancellor condemned the practice of keeping student files. I have here a cutting from The Times, but I will not read it out. I believe that it is a practice which we should condemn.

Sir G. Nabarro

While I do not wish to enter into any controversy concerning university administration, will not the right hon. Gentleman respond to his hon. Friend by pointing out that the University of Warwick has behaved utterly constitutionally in causing its Chancellor, Lord Radcliffe, to set up a full-scale inquiry into the recent disturbances and to publish his report? Surely that is adequate to meet all the circumstances of this disastrous case?

Mr. Peart

I do not dissent on the question of an inquiry, but I reaffirm what was said by a very distinguished vice-chancellor. The political opinions and affiliations of students and staff are no business of a university.