§ Mr. John Garrettasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he proposes to make an offer to the Association of University Teachers and the University Authorities Panel in relation to a pay settlement due on 1 October.
§ Dr. BoysonI hope that an appropriate settlement will be reached in the course of the negotiations, which are to be resumed next week.
§ Mr. McKelveyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give an assurance that his delay in responding to the pay claim by university 856W disadvantage; whether he considers the functions and aims of the centre should be continued; and, if so, how he proposes this should be done.
§ Dr. BoysonMy right hon. and learned Friend wrote to the governors and directors of the centre on 15 November informing them of his decision that the centre should be wound up by the end of the current academic year. The Government continue to attach considerable importance to work to combat educational disadvantage and the Department of Education and Science will continue to be involved in this through the work of Her Majesty's inspectorate and of the educational disadvantage unit.