HC Deb 06 May 1986 vol 97 c39W
18. Mr. Peter Bruinvels

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he last met the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals to discuss the protection of freedom of speech in universities.

Mr. Walden

My right hon. Friend held a meeting on 17 February with representatives of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals during which they had a useful exchange of views on the subject of freedom of speech and the guidance issued by the committee last December. The Government have welcomed the chairman's subsequent letter reaffirming that the guidance is intended to convey that meetings should be cancelled by institutions only in the most exceptional circumstances and normally after consultation with the police.