§ 16. Mr. FishburnTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received recently on the funding of student unions.
Mr. JacksonSince April 1988 we have received 44 letters commenting on the funding of institutional student unions. Thirty two questioned the present system.
§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the progress of his Department's review of student unions.
Mr. JacksonWe plan shortly to publish the factual analysis of the Department's survey of student unions. We are considering separately what action might best be taken and in due course will consult all those concerned on our conclusions.
§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what recent representations he has received(a) supporting and (b) opposing automatic membership of student unions; what percentage the latter represents of the former; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. JacksonSince April 1988 we have received 55 letters expressing a view on automatic membership of institutional student unions. Of these, 20 (36.4 per cent.) supported and 35 (63.6 per cent.) were against automatic membership.