§ Mr. Andrew MacKayasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress has been made by the committee of inquiry into the academic validation of degree courses in the public sector of higher education; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Keith JosephThe report of the committee of inquiry into the academic validation of public sector degree courses was published today. Copies of the report have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.
My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales and I are most grateful to the members of the committee of inquiry and particulary to its chairman, Sir Norman Lindop, for the time and effort they have devoted to the inquiry, and for the speed with which they have completed a difficult task. The Government attach great importance to the maintenance and improvement of academic standards throughout the education system, and we will study the committee's report with care and interest.
My right hon. Friends and I will consult a number of interested bodies concerning the report's conclusions and recommendations. We will also welcome comments from any institution, organisation or individual not specifically consulted. Following these consultations, the Government will aim to reach their decisions on the recommendations made in the report as soon as possible.