§ 15. Mr. Tom Coxasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action his Department is to seek to take to stop the sale of degrees and academic qualifications.
§ Mr. BrookeThe Government believe that no solution is possible without legislation, but further proposals are being put to us, to which we are committed to giving serious consideration.
§ Mr. CoxThat reply is most warmly welcomed. Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the widespread abuse in this country over the selling of bogus degrees and of the great harm that it does to the well-established colleges of education? Can he give an assurance that that legislation will come through in the next Session of Parliament?
§ Mr. BrookeI join the hon. Member in deploring the practice of selling degrees or other academic qualifications. At their request, I recently met representatives of the Association of Business Executives, who have undertaken to set out a proposal which they think might avoid some of the difficulties described. This will be examined and considered on its merits.