§ Mrs Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he expects any universities to close or for mergers to take place as a result of cuts in Government expenditure.
§ Dr. BoysonThe level of grant announced for 1981–82 for universities and the level of resources for higher education for the two succeeding financial years do not require that universities should close. The detailed implications of the Government's expenditure plans for higher education are under discussion.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list the various options that are being considered for universities in order to meet Government spending plans; and if he will make a statement on these.
192W
§ Dr. BoysonThe detailed implications for the universities of the Government's expenditure plans for higher education are under discussion with the Unversity Grants Committee and my right hon. and learned Friend expects to make a statement in due course.