HC Deb 16 February 1982 vol 18 cc127-8
2. Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received regarding redundancies of academic and technical staff in universities since his answer of 25 January, Official Report, c. 275; and if he will make a statement.

The Secretary of State for Education and Science (Sir Keith Joseph)

The redundancy compensation for university academic staff which I announced on 25 January has been generally welcomed.

Mr. Cryer

Is the Secretary of State aware that there is the wider issue that Government cuts generally, and particularly at Bradford university, threaten universities as institutions and academically? Is he further aware that the proposed redundancies in Bradford will increase unemployment in an area that already has a high level of unemployment? Does he not realise that his vaunted claim to belong to a party that increases freedom of choice is the reverse of the truth, because, by cutting back on universities such as Bradford——

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman is now making a speech.

Mr. Cryer

I am just finishing, Mr. Speaker. The right hon. Gentleman is making——

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman is continuing far too long for aquestion.

Sir Keith Joseph

It is open to all universities to consult the University Grants Committee on the effect of its proposals.

Mr. Geoffrey Robinson

Will the Secretary of State take more seriously the effects of his cuts on universities, such as Aston in the West Midlands? Will he be more forthcoming in his support for the science parks at Aston and Warwick universities than he was yesterday at the launch of the Warwick one? Is there not some way of giving moral and financial Government support to these ventures?

Sir Keith Joseph

The Government already provide enormous amounts of taxpayers' money to the universities. It does not seem sensible or possible for the Government to protect all sectors of public spending when there is an urgent need to abate the rise in public spending.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that although the Government are seeking to advance technology, some of the cuts in higher education are having an adverse effect on the universities of Bradford, Leeds and Manchester in the departments which concentrate on textiles? This could have a detrimental effect on the training of high technology experts for an industry which needs these skills.

Sir Keith Joseph

As my hon. Friend will know, Ministers do not presume to allocate money between institutions; they leave that to the UGC, to which individual institutions should put forward their views.

Mr. Whitehead

Is the Secretary of State proud of the fact that this week in The Times Higher Education Supplement he and his colleagues have been described as "The new yahoos, " presiding over a system in which £200 million is being paid out to sack university teachers, whom the universities do not wish to get rid of, for whom there is a demand and whose product is highly esteemed?

Sir Keith Joseph

Name calling does not solve the problem of reducing inflation and unemployment. In the Government's view, that depends on a proper balance between public spending and private investment.

Mr. Cryer

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the Secretary of State's inadequate and evasive reply, I give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.