HC Deb 13 July 1981 vol 8 cc308-9W
Mr. Spearing

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will itemise the benefits gained for the contributions to the further and higher education system of England and Wales of the contribution of £592,000 to the European Institute in Florence; and, further to his reply to the hon. Member for Sheffield, Hillsborough (Mr. Flannery) on 2 July, Official Report, c. 155, if he will state the courses being pursued by the 15 United Kingdom students at present attending this institution.

Dr. Boyson

The European University Institute is a small postgraduate research and teaching establishment, which, with its European dimension, usefully complements provision in the United Kingdom.

I understand that of the 15 United Kingdom students, six are with the Department of Politics and Social Science and three each with the Department of History and Civilisation and the Department of Economics and of Law. Details of their research work fall within the academic discretion of the institute.

Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the qualifications obtained by students attending the European University Institute in Florence are recognised in the United Kingdom; and in which EEC countries the qualifications are recognised.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

I refer the hon. Member to the answer he has received to his similar question to my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science.