§ 17. Mr. IllsleyWhat representations he has received regarding proposals to restrict colleges to offering degree courses by only one validating university. [14338]
§ Dr. HowellsWe have received a wide range of responses to the recommendation by the National 1036 Committee of Inquiry into Higher Education on the issue. The Government will announce its response to that and other recommendations soon.
§ Mr. IllsleyI thank my hon. Friend for his reply.
My constituency has benefited greatly from Barnsley college's ability to offer degree courses franchised through both Sheffield and Leeds universities. The benefits to my constituency, not only educational but social, have been very welcome. May I therefore ask my hon. Friend to reject the Dearing recommendation, and allow colleges such as mine to continue to franchise degrees through more than one university?
§ Dr. HowellsAs my hon. Friend probably knows, the majority of the responses received so far to Sir Ron Dearing's proposals have been opposed to multiple franchising, or serial franchising as it is sometimes called, arguing that it should be stopped. They recognise, however, that there might be occasions when, for geographical or subject-related reasons, that would be impossible. I am sure that my colleagues will consider the matter carefully when we formulate our responses to Sir Ron's proposals.