21. Mr. Robert AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations she has received regarding the planned funding of higher education in the period 1996–97 to 1998–99. [20145]
§ Mr. ForthMy right hon. Friend has received representations from the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals and others. She has listened very carefully to their views and set up two working groups with them to collate evidence on the effects of public funding on universities and colleges and to consider the private finance initiative in higher education.
§ 32. Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what recent representations she has had from the university vice-chancellors about the funding of higher education. [20157]
§ Mr. ForthMy right hon. Friend meets university vice-chancellors from time to time to discuss the funding of higher education. She last met them on 6 February to discuss the 1995 Budget settlement and other matters. She has listened very carefully to their views and set up two working groups with them to collate evidence on the effects of public funding on universities and colleges and to consider the private finance initiative in higher education.
221WThe vice-chancellors will also be able to put their views on longer-term funding matters to the National Committee of Inquiry into Higher Education announced by my right hon. Friend on 19 February, which will start work before Easter.