§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what procedures, sources of funding and timescales are being followed in consideration of the Springvale campus proposal by the University of Ulster. [33041]
§ Mr. AncramFollowing the announcement by the University of Ulster of its proposal to establish a campus at Springvale, my right hon. and learned Friend commissioned a full economic appraisal of the scheme. In addition, I commissioned a report from the Northern Ireland Higher Education Council specifically to consider the educational aspects of the proposal. The economic appraisal is nearing completion, and the Secretary of State will wish to give full consideration to its findings, including the costs involved, and to the NIHEC report before taking a decision on the Springvale campus proposal.