HC Deb 04 April 1989 vol 150 c14
15. Mr. Ian Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he last met the chairman of the Council for Industry and Higher Education; and what matters were discussed.

Mr. Jackson

My right hon. Friend meets the chairman of the Council for Industry and Higher Education periodically, both formally and informally.

Mr. Taylor

Will my hon. Friend note the welcome that we give to the council and its work and our acknowledgement of the importance of links between education and industry? Will he encourage the idea of regional councils and will he note in particular that the university of Surrey is doing splendid work with local industry and is pioneering further development?

Mr. Jackson

One of the most encouraging features of the higher education scene is the growth of contact between the world of academe in the universities and the polytechnics and industry. The Council for Industry and Higher Education is one of the most notable manifestations of that. We very much welcome it and all proposals for its further development.