§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the request made by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council to universities and colleges that their governing bodies should make contingency plans for action in the event of unforeseen and highly adverse financial circumstances; and what plans he has to ensure that the universities continue to enjoy adequate secure funding. [30532]
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§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 26 June 1995]: The Scottish Higher Education Funding Council advises my right hon. Friend on the needs of the higher education institutions in Scotland. The council's advice is taken into account in the annual public expenditure survey.
Contingency plans to deal with adverse circumstances are a standard element of good management practice. It is up to the council to decide what information it requires from institutions.
Plans for funding of the higher education institutions in Scotland up to the 1997–98 financial year were set out in the Departmental Report, "Serving Scotland's Needs" (Cm 2814).