§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will have discussions with the Scottish universities on the implications for local economies and employment levels of their cash difficulties; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael Forsyth[holding answer 1 July 1988]: Government funding for the universities is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science. I have no plans for such discussions.
The Fraser of Allander Institute has produced a report about the local economic impact of changes in funding by the University Grants Committee at the universities of Aberdeen, Dundee and Stirling. That report records that the total income to these three universities has increased in real terms between 1980–81 and 1986–87.