HL Deb 25 June 1980 vol 410 cc1594-6

2.45 p.m.

Baroness DAVID

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the pay proposals agreed between the University Authorities' Panel and the Association of University Teachers have been approved; and, if not, whether they can say how soon the matter will be settled.

The MINISTER of STATE, DEPARTMENT of EDUCATION and SCIENCE (Baroness Young:)

My Lords, the joint proposals of the Association of University Teachers and the University Authorities' Panel were received by the Department of Education and Science on 20th May. There can be no approval of the proposals in advance of negotiation; a meeting of the main negotiating parties with representatives of the department, in negotiating Committee B, will be held as soon as possible.

Baroness DAVID

My Lords, while thanking the Minister for that reply, I cannot say that it is altogether satisfactory or informative. What they are anxious to know is when the decision will be made. They have waited for a long time. In early 1979 they agreed to go to Clegg for a feasibility study. In the autumn they were told that it would have to be a full study; in April of this year they were told that a full study would not be possible without a feasibility study first, so they were back where they were a year ago. Is the Minister aware that agreement has been reached and is within the cash limits, so it would not seem difficult to ask to have a reply by a certain date? Can the Minister possibly give that?

Baroness YOUNG

My Lords, we are aware of all the circumstances that the noble Baroness has outlined. I should like to assure the House that there will be no unnecessary delay in bringing this matter to a satisfactory conclusion, and indeed we expect this to be before the end of next month.

Lord FLOWERS

My Lords, would the Minister agree that one of the most difficult problems facing the universities in the present financial framework in which cash limits are imposed is the uncertainty arising from salary claims and the effective value of their block grants? If so, would she further agree that an early settlement of academic salaries would benefit not only the university teachers themselves, among whom I should declare myself to be one, but—

Several noble Lords: Reading!

Lord FLOWERS

I am sorry, my Lords. An answer would very greatly help the universities to make the most effective use of the limited resources now placed at their disposal.

Baroness YOUNG

Yes, my Lords, we very much appreciate the position that the noble Lord has outlined. I cannot go further than what I have said in my answers to questions this afternoon.