§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what new arrangements he has in mind to help reduce duplication of provision between Queens university and the proposed new institution; when the new arrangements will come into operation; and whether they will include apportionment of available funds between the two institutions.
§ Mr. ScottAs indicated in the Government Statement "Higher Education in Northern Ireland: The Future Structure", arrangements for improved planning and co-ordination of higher education in Northern Ireland are under consideration, and this includes the funding arrangements. No decisions have yet been taken on a starting date.
§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether it is proposed that the new university institution resulting from the proposed amalgamation of two existing institutions will accept students with either mandatory awards or discretionary awards; and whether tuition fees will be charged by the new institution.
§ Mr. ScottIt is intended that the new institution will be free in principle to offer as wide a range of courses as is at present available in the New University of Ulster and in the Ulster polytechnic. The nature of the awards for which students who are admitted to such courses may be eligible, and the tuition fees which may be payable, will not be affected by the formation of the new institution.
§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the Government's expenditure plans to 1985–86 are to be modified to take account of the proposed amalgamation of the New University of Ulster and the Ulster polytechnic and of the extra cost of split site working.
§ Mr. ScottThe funding of all aspects of the new institution will be accommodated within the Government's existing expenditure plans.