§ Mr. Strawasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the considerations which led him to seek a report on Open University course D102; and under what powers this report was sought.
§ Mr. BrookeFollowing the first presentation of the new social sciences foundation course D102 in 1982, my right hon. Friend received a number of complaints from individuals and from hon. Members alleging Marxist bias in the course, particularly in the course components and broadcast programmes dealing with the economy. My right hon. Friend informed the vice-chancellor of the Open University of his concern about these complaints, and of his intention to refer the matter to the Open University visiting committee. The committee's investigations were centred on the general mechanisms operated by the university to secure balance in its courses, and in its procedures for dealing with complaints. The committee reported to my right hon. Friend in December 1983 about the changes that had been made in these procedures. A copy of the report was sent to the university. During the 167W course of its discussions with the visiting committee, the university suggested that if the Department were concerned about the content of D102 it should provide substantive grounds for complaint. The Department therefore sought professional advice on the section of the course which purports to be an introductory study of the economy. The commentary received was considered to provide substantial grounds for concern and the university was asked to review the course in accordance with its review procedures.
§ Mr. Strawasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of his officials on Open University course D102.
§ Mr. BrookeCopies of the report and of the related correspondence have been placed in the Library today.