HC Deb 17 June 1981 vol 6 c364W
Mr. Marlow

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science under what circumstances institutes of higher education (a) are obliged to allocate funds to students' unions, and (b) have powers to close down students' unions.

Dr. Boyson

Since instruments regulating the conduct of establishments of higher education generally require that there should be a union or other body representing students, a governing body has an implicit responsibility to ensure appropriate funding. Closing down a union would involve amending the relevant regulatory instrument.