§ Mr. Bill WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he proposes to take on student union issues and on safeguards for freedom of speech in higher and further education institutions in Scotland.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythI am inviting Scottish universities and colleges of higher and further education to take part in discussions of possible action on membership and financing of local student unions and the NUS; the proper use of public funds by unions and the NUS; and also on measures to secure freedom of speech.
Following my recent consultations on the need for measures to secure free speech in Scottish institutions, I have concluded that, in view of their serious obligation to ensure free speech, universities and colleges in Scotland should be asked to introduce on a voluntary basis codes of practice to secure freedom of speech in their institutions. We shall continue to keep under review the arrangements which institutions have for securing free speech and whether any further action should be required.