HC Deb 30 October 1984 vol 65 cc1149-50
8. Sir William van Straubenzee

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he expects to announce changes in the membership of the National Advisory Body for Higher Education.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mr. Peter Brooke)

My right hon. Friend will be announcing the full membership of the board of the National Advisory Body nearer the time of its formal reconstitution on 1 February 1985.

Sir William van Straubenzee

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Does he agree that the work of the board has greatly justified itself, because there has been a new and useful influence in the area in which it works? Will he assure me that he will be giving very close consideration to the representation of industrial and commercial employers and of the professions when the reconstituted board membership is announced?

Mr. Brooke

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his comments about the work of the NAB. My right hon. Friend has it in mind to appoint two additional representatives of industry, commerce and the professions, and will welcome advice from interested parties, including the Confederation of British Industry.