§ Mr. AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proposals he has for replacing the CNAA; and if he will make a statement on how he proposes to maintain impartial, academic quality control in the private sector of higher education.
§ Mr. Alan HowarthThe CNAA's role in validating courses in the private sector will be replaced by private sector institutions and organisations seeking validation from a degree awarding institution. Such validation arrangements will be subject to the approval of the new quality audit unit which the Government will look to higher education institutions collectively to establish. This will, among other things, take over the functions of the CNAA and the academic audit unit of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals of monitoring quality control arrangements in institutions. Discussions are continuing within the higher education sector about the future location of other CNAA functions and services.