§ Mr. Radiceasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what has been the change in the funding of universities in cash and constant 1985–86 prices between 1980–81 and 1986–87, excluding those amounts representing compensation for changes in home student fees, for redundancy and for early retirement, changes to take account of minor capital works from the recurrent grant, changes in local authority rates and additions made for the information technology and new blood programmes.
§ Mr. Kenneth BakerBetween 1980–81 and 1986–87 public funding of universities has increased by 28.8 per cent. in cash terms, which is a fall of 6.3 per cent. in constant 1985–86 prices (using the GDP deflator). Excluding the funding elements selectively listed by the hon. Member, there was an increase over the same period of 13.1 per cent. in cash terms equivalent to a reduction of 17.8 per cent. in 1985–86 prices. Such exclusions are unrealistic; payment of items such as local authority rates and compensation for redundancies and early retirement are part and parcel of the cost of running large institutions. Since 1980–81, universities' income from private sources has increased substantially.