§ Mr. DunnachieTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what formal reply his Department has made to the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals in respect of their request for additional funds for pay and compensation for the recent increase in value added tax; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan HowarthMy right hon. and learned Friend has made clear to the CVCP that it is for the committee and institutions as employers to reach a pay settlement within the aggregate resources at their disposal; and that, against the background of an increase in public funding for universities in 1991–92 of 10 per cent. for the second year running, the Government are unable to provide any further sums for extra VAT costs not recoverable through higher output charges.