HC Deb 10 February 1972 vol 830 cc404-5W
32. Mr. Leslie Huckfield

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what further consultations have taken place with university vice-chancellors and the National Union of Students about the financial structure and control of student unions.

Mr. van Straubenzee

Preliminary meetings took place in December, and my right hon. Friend has received from both organisations a statement of their views. She expects further consultations with the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals to be arranged shortly, and the National Union of Students has been invited to a further meeting.

45. Mr. Mikardo

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will give examples of types of expenditure from student union funds which led to the issue of her consultative document on these funds.

Mr. van Straubenzee

The proposals in the consultative document are intended to remedy a number of defects in the present system of financing student unions. These defects are set out in paragraph 10 of the document.

47. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will take steps to set up a registrar of student unions.

Mr. van Straubenzee

This is among the possible courses of action discussed in my consultative document on the financing of student unions which I am still considering.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what reply she has sent to the letter of Sir Fraser Noble, Chairman of the Vice-Chancellors' Committee, on the Government's proposals for financing student unions; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. van Straubenzee

The reply said that the views of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals were being studied. Consultations are continuing.