§ Mr. LawrenceTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science to what extent the further education sector is preparing for closer and better relations between the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union; what resources are being devoted to that end; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. JacksonA number of specific objectives have developed from my right hon. Friend's recent visit to the USSR against the background of the long-standing scientific, educational and cultural agreement between the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union and the growing independent links between British and Soviet universities and other educational establishments.
The implementation of the cultural agreement and the encouragement of independent links rests with the British Council. Existing activities include encouraging links between institutions for the direct exchange of staff and students and providing for British undergraduate students to study in the Soviet Union, for Soviet teachers to study in Britain, for exchanges of lecturers, and for visits by senior academics, researchers and postgraduate scholars. It is proposed to increase the Council's budget for co-operation with the Soviet Union generally. If approved, 4W December 1988, specifying in each case the valuation and whether an item was eventually exported or retained, with particulars in the latter event of the acquiring institution; whether he will list any items for which licences have been withheld but the final disposal of which is not yet decided, specifying in each case (a) the valuation and (b) the relevant time limit; and whether he will issue a press notice covering the information in his reply.
§ Mr. LuceMy right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry accepted my recommendation following consideration by the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art to defer for the period specified a decision on an export licence application in respect of the items listed. The valuation has been omitted in one case where the owner wished it to remain confidential. Details of the items listed were given in press notices issued at the time the Secretary of State decided to accept the recommendation; however, a further press notice will be issued.
a proportion of the additional funds will be used to strengthen activity in further and higher education, but it is not possible at this stage to say what those additional resources will be.
In addition, the University Grants Committee is to set up an inquiry into the current and future provision of Soviet and East European studies in this country.