HC Deb 06 February 1978 vol 943 cc375-6W
Mr. Colin Jackson

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, in view of the fact that in the last year the university student population rose by about 5 per cent. while that of academic staff has risen by only 0.7 per cent., whether this increase in productivity could justify a productivity bonus.

Mr. Fairgrieve

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will approve a productivity deal under the current incomes policy in settlement of the university teachers' pay claim in the light of the increase in productivity of university staff.

Mr. Oakes

I refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Irving) on 31st of January—[Vol. 943, c. 114–15.]

Sir John Rodgers

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when she expects the discussions between her officials, the university authorities and the Association of University Teachers to reach agreement in settling the university teachers' pay claim.

Mr. Oakes

It is not possible to forecast how long the present negotiations will take, but there will be no unnecessary delays.