HC Deb 16 February 1988 vol 127 cc580-1W
53. Mr. Ashdown

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received on the subject of academic freedom.

64. Mr. Win Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received on securing academic freedom; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Jackson

We have received about 40 letters on the subject of academic freedom.

The Government believe wholeheartedly that academic freedom is fundamental to a healthy system of higher education. I refer the hon. Members to the detailed statements I made in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Dorset, North (Mr. Baker) on November 1987 at columns 676–78 and the hon. Member from Glasgow, Hillhead (Mr. Galloway) on 13 January 1988 at columns 268–69.