§ Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has any plans to increase the number of lecturers in higher education in order to meet the Government's projected increase in student access outlined in the White Paper, "Meeting the Challenge"; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. JacksonThe number of lecturers in higher education is a matter for those who employ them, in the light of the various demands on the resources available and taking into account such factors as the range of provision and the number of students in each institution. The Government will continue to make funds available for higher education overall at a realistic level, in line with what the nation can afford.
§ Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information he has on average pay levels of higher and further education lecturers, and higher education lecturers, respectively, in each or all the the following (a) England and Wales, (b) Great Britain, (c) universities in the United Kingdom, (d) polytechnics in England and Wales and (e) all non-university higher education in Great Britain; and what equivalent information he has, converted to pound sterling, in relation to (i) France, (ii) Spain, (iii) Italy, (iv) West Germany and (v) the United States of America.
§ Mrs. RumboldI shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.