§ 14. Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what reply he has given to the letter sent to him on 4 October by the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals about the effect of cuts on universities.
§ Sir Keith JosephMy reply agreed to a meeting with representatives of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principles, as it requested. This took place on 2 November.
§ Mr. BeithDo not all the announcements that the Minister made in written answers yesterday about resources for universities hinge on the unrealistic expectation that a 3½ per cent. pay settlement will be reasonable for university teachers, in the face of what they have received in the past few years?
§ Sir Keith JosephI do not think that it is unrealistic in the light of falling inflation. University teachers would be wrong to think that extra money will be provided for settlements that exceed 3½ per cent.
§ Mr. Maxwell-HyslopWill my right hon. Friend keep an eye on the situation of which he was earlier made aware, and ensure that universities such as Exeter, which the University Grants Committee agrees has been under-funded, do not suffer as a result of over-expenditure by other universities?
§ Sir Keith JosephI think I can assure my hon. Friend that that is most improbable, but I shall look at the matter.
§ Mr. HooleyWill the Secretary of State say how many academic and non-academic staff have been made unemployed as a result of these cuts?
§ Sir Keith JosephNot without notice.