§ Mr. McAllionTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he next intends to meet with representatives from Scottish universities concerning the future problem of university provision in Scotland.
Mr. JacksonWe have no plans for such a meeting. Although both my right hon. Friend and I regularly visit universities, including those in Scotland, the allocation of public funds towards general university provision is a matter for the University Grants Committee and, from 1 April, the Universities Funding Council established under the Education Reform Act 1988. The funding of the eight Scottish universities is done under standard criteria which allow for different course lengths and apply to all universities in Great Britain. Both bodies have a committee to advise on particular matters relating to Scotland.