HC Deb 07 July 1987 vol 119 cc186-7
11. Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will provide additional resources to implement the academic plan for Dundee university.

Mr. Jackson

The distribution of funds between individual universities is a matter for the University Grants Committee, which is currently considering the academic plan and financial forecast drawn up by Dundee university in the light of new funding levels.

Mr. Ross

The Minister will know that on 18 June the UGC complimented Dundee university on getting its act together so quickly and providing this academic plan. Does the Minister not see that he has the responsibility to ensure that the work that has been carried out so quickly and efficiently in Dundee is rewarded, and that an early reply comes to Dundee so that it knows exactly where it is going? Will he congratulate the new principal of Dundee university, who takes up his post in October, and wish the retiring principal, Adam Neville, a long and happy retirement?

Mr. Jackson

I pay tribute to the work of Adam Neville, who is retiring as principal. The future funding of Dundee university is a matter for the UGC. How it spends the funds allocated to it is a matter for Dundee university itself.

Mrs. Margaret Ewing

Has the Minister noted that no fewer than eight Scottish Members have today tabled questions about university funding, either at specific universities or in general terms? Therefore, does he accept that this reflects the widespread concern throughout Scotland about the future of Scottish university education? Can we expect an early statement on funding?

Mr. Jackson

We are running a national system of support for universities and this has been placed on a rational basis by the UGC so that funds are allocated on the basis of a standard unit of resource for each different course for teaching purposes, and with regard to the quality of research and other factors. That policy is applied across the board nationally, but inevitably and it has different implications for different institutions in different parts of the country.