§ 68. Mr. Hefferasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps Her Majesty's Government intend to take to ensure that university staff and students are given protection against intrusion into their privacy and rights.
§ Mr. Edward ShortThe safe keeping of private and confidential information about staff and students is the responsibility of the university authorities and there are no steps I can take to assist them in this practical task. I agree with the views recently expressed by the Chairman of the Vice-Chancellors Committee that universities should not keep files about political or religious opinions or affiliations or political activities within the law, and that when reports are made in confidence on academic and personal matters, for example by headmasters, it is essential to the interests of staff and students to maintain their confidentiality.