§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what new initiatives she is discussing with the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principles to encourage senior private sector managers to spend time in university departments. [21826]
§ Mr. BoswellNo such discussions are taking place. These are matters for the CVCP and its member institutions to arrange in collaboration with companies. The Government welcome opportunities that enable industrial and university personnel to share their experiences for the benefit of the economy.
§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what programmes she supports to encourage the release of university staff to spend time in manufacturing industry. [21825]
§ Mr. BoswellWe support all initiatives that provide academic and industrial staff with opportunities to collaborate. Responsibility for developing links with business, of all kinds, rests with individual institutions. Many are conscious of the need to do so, and participate in the range of programmes promoted by the Departments of Employment and of Trade and Industry and the Office for Science and Technology.