§ Mr. Bryan Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what response her Department has had so far to its discussion document "Higher Education in the 1990s"; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsMy Department has so far received about 120 written responses to the discussion document.
Those bodies which my Department expressly invited to comment on the document were asked for their preliminary views by 1st June. A few of them have not been able to meet this deadline for a number of reasons, but I expect them all to have submitted comments by the summer.
The Government have not yet reached any decisions about their higher education policies for the coming decade. It is our aim to do so after considering all the views expressed by the widest possible range of persons and organisations, not just those active in higher education. I hope that no one with an interest in higher education will neglect the present opportunity to contribute to this process.