§ Mr. Robert MaclennanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will establish a central council for the funding of institutions in Scottish higher education; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe Education Reform Act 1988 provides for the funding of universities through the Universities Funding Council, and for that council to have a Scottish committee. The committee will discharge the functions outlined by my right hon. and learned Friend to the House on 1 April 1987. This will facilitate better planning of the university and grant-aided college sectors of higher education, funded respectively through the Universities Funding Council and the Scottish Education Department.