Mrs. RenéeShort asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how much Government grant has been given to the Royal College of Art for each year since 1975 at constant prices; and what is the amount for 1981–82.
§ Dr. BoysonThe grants, at constant prices, made available to the Royal College of Art have been as follows:
Grant (at 1980 Survey Prices) Financial Year Recurrent £ million Capital £ million 1975–76 3.1 0.84 1976–77 3.1 0.33 1977–78 2.8 0.33 1978–79 2.9 0.14 1979–80 2.2 0.20 1980–81 2.8 0.15 The grant for the financial year 1981–82 has not yet been determined.
Mrs. RenéeShort asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the recent report of the visiting committee on the work of the Royal College of Art; and if he will publish the report.
§ Dr. BoysonThe visiting committee, which provides advice to my right hon. and learned Friend about the developments proposed by the Royal College of Art and its funding arrangements, submitted its latest report in November 1980. The report includes a number of recommendations aimed at enabling the college to fulfil more effectively its role in improving design in industry. Although the visiting committee's advice is made in confidence, my right hon. and learned friend has thought it appropriate on this occasion to make the major part of the report available to the college in order that the issues which it addresses may be widely and fully considered.