§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what are the terms of reference of the review by Lord Croham of the University Grants Committee; when its report is expected to be completed; if it will be published; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he has any plans to strengthen the role and powers of the University Grants Committee; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldenThe terms of reference of the review of the UGC, as originally announced on 25 July last, at column 641, are
To review, within the context of expected developments in higher education, the University Grants Committee's constitutional position and role in relation to the Government and to the universities, its membership, its internal structure and working methods, and its secretariat.Since then, as my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland announced on 9 December last, at columns 460–61, the review committee has also been asked to consider, in relation to its existing terms of reference, the implications of adopting the recommendations of the Scottish Tertiary Education Advisory Council (Cmnd. 9676) concerning the planning and funding of higher education in Scotland having regard in particular to the concern expressed in the STEAC report that continued access by the Scottish universities to a United Kingdom based peer review system would be desirable.
The committee has been asked to report in the autumn of 1986. The committee's report will be published. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a letter from my right hon. Friend to the chairman of the committee, Lord Croham, which was published on 17 September last.
My right hon. Friends will consider the role and functions of the UGC in the light of the report of the review committee when it is available.