§ Mr. Fatchettasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he expects to bring forward proposals to abolish tenure for university academic staff; and whether these proposals will contain provisions to guarantee academic freedom.
Mr. JacksonOur proposals to legislate on academic tenure will be part of the major education reform Bill which we shall be introducing shortly. It is our intention to bring forward the relevant provisions when the Bill is introduced. The Government recognise the importance of maintaining academic freedom, and the provisions will be framed with that objective in mind.