§ 41 and 42. Mr. Dalyellasked the Lord President of the Council (1) what discussions he has had with governing bodies of universities about the question of student representation being written into the appropriate charters and statutes;
(2) what representations he has had from the National Union of Students about the question of representation of students on governing bodies of universities being written into the appropriate charters and statutes.
§ Mr. Kenneth BakerI have been asked to reply.
While there have been no general discussions I believe that all the universities are aware of the Privy Council's approach on this subject.
Where necessary, proposals for amendments to charters and statutes are discussed individually with university authorities.
In recent years, the Lord President's predecessors and the Privy Council Office have received a number of representations from the National Union of Students both on the general question of student participation in university government and in relation to particular cases.
§ Mr. DalyellOn what coherent basis do Privy Councillors consider it to be their business to interfere with the appointment of student members to university governing bodies where appointments have already been agreed with the university authorities?
§ Mr. BakerThe Privy Council has a duty because charters are involved. I am informed that the Privy Council's approach in these matters is very helpful and is sympathetic to the representation of students on university bodies.
§ Mr. Evelyn KingThough it may be desirable to appoint student members, is it not also desirable to ensure that the 1317 total number of students and teachers does not exceed, as in some universities it does exceed, the number of lay members on the council?
§ Mr. BakerThis is a complicated matter and we are trying to ensure that certain criteria are achieved, one of which is that student members must be genuinely representative of the student body.