§ Mr. JanmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he proposes any changes in the arrangements by which student unions affiliate to, and fund, the National Union of Students.
§ Mr. Kenneth BakerThe Government recognise that many individual students do riot wish to be represented by the National Union of Students; they are also concerned that taxpayers' money made available to student representative bodies should be used to provide services to students and not used for political campaigning. However, to limit freedom of association, by restricting the right of local student unions to affiliate to a national body, would raise complex legal issues. I conclude that it is first necessary to look at the arrangements for student union membership and the provision of services to individual students at both local and national levels.
To this end, I intend to gather on a sample basis up-to-date information on the organisation and cost of student services within institutions, on the legal status of local unions, and on the organisational and financial links between such unions and the NUS. I am confident that institutions and others will wish to co-operate with this survey; and I shall be glad to receive any information or suggestions which interested parties may wish to put forward. On the basis of the information I obtain, I will reach conclusions on the best action to take and will then consult all concerned about these conclusions.