§ Mr. WilkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will seek to place upon heads of polytechnics and colleges of further education and upon university vice-chancellors a legal duty to ensure that college students unions do not misappropriate their funds or apply them to causes other than the material welfare of students.
Mr. JacksonI refer to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock (Mr. Janman) on 18 April, at column 292, in which my right hon. Friend indicated the Government's intention to collect up-to-date information on a number of issues relating to student unions and thereafter to reach conclusions and consult all concerned on the best action to take. A questionnaire will be issued to a sample of institutions shortly.
In the meantime, all student unions covered by the law of charity are already under a duty to apply their funds only on activities designed to promote the interests of students as students.