§ 49. Mr. IngramTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he intends to meet the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals to discuss the safeguarding of academic freedom; and if he will make a statement.
§ 59. Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he next expects to meet the Committee of University Vice-Chancellors and Principals to discuss academic freedom.
§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he intends to meet the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals to discuss the safeguarding of academic freedom; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. JacksonMy right hon. Friend and I have met the vice chancellors to discuss their two main concerns about392W academic freedom. The first, that academic freedom in higher education institutions should not be at risk from interference by the Government, has been met by Government amendments to clauses 115 to 117 of the Education Reform Bill in a way that has been welcomed. Their other concern is that individual academics should not be victimised by other academics on account of their views. The Bill contains very substantial safeguards on this including a requirement for the commissioners to establish a proper appeals procedure in cases of dismissal and, by removing the exclusive jurisdiction of the visitor, provides access to the courts for actions concerning wrongful dismissal. Those will be strengthened by the amendment we intend to table to the Bill requiring the commissioners to establish grievance procedures. Even so, the Government are willing to consider what further appropriate protection might be provided and discussions to that end are continuing with the vice chancellors.