HC Deb 21 October 1981 vol 10 c143W

Mr. Frank Allaun asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many letters on the subject he has received since the announcement was made that Salford university's grant is to be cut by 44 per cent.

Mr. Waldegrave:

Ministers have received approximately 400 letters about the allocation of grant to Salford university.

Mr. Frank Allaun asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the effects on British technology of the reduction of 700 places for engineering students at Salford university as a result of the financial cuts imposed by the Government and the University Grants Committee.

Mr. Waldegrave:

The number of students who will be trained in particular disciplines over the next few years will depend on decisions taken by individual universities in the light of the views expressed by the University Grants Committee. Although the total number of students is expected to fall overall, the committee has provided for some increase in the number of students of engineering and technology compared with the position in 1979–80.