§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what proposals he has under consideration to enhance academic pay in higher education to achieve closer parity with recent graduates and postgraduates working in comparable non-academic professions; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what proposals he has under consideration for increased levels of pay for research in higher education. and for similar enhancement of postgraduate awards; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. JacksonMy right hon. Friend is not at present considering any such proposals in respect of pay: a settlement has recently been made, with his agreement, for salaries of academic and related staff in the universities, including those engaged in research. The employers are negotiating salaries with representatives of the lecturers. In the Government's view, salaries should be set so as to recruit, retain and motivate the staff concerned.
The levels of postgraduate studentships are determined by the award-making bodies, in consultation as appropriate with the Department and amongst themselves, in the light of all the relevant factors, including the number and quality of applications for support and other claims on their resources for training and research funding. My right hon. Friend has, however, recieved advice on this and other matters from the Advisory Board for the Research Councils. This is being published today.