§ Mr. McWalterTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will grant the University College of St. Mark and St. John university status. [59348]
§ Mr. MudieIt is for the Privy Council to award university status. My Department advises the Privy Council on applications from institutions in England, taking account of published criteria. The College of St. Mark and St. John does not currently meet these criteria. The Government have announced that colleges with the power to award their own degrees may apply for `university college' titles. The College of St. Mark and St. John has notified its intention to apply for degree awarding powers.