§ Mr. GreenTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of university teachers are engaged purely in research and have no teaching responsibilities; and how this percentage compares with(a) 1997, (b) 1996, (c) 1995 and (d) 1990. [63366]
§ Mr. MudieThe percentage of university academic staff engaged purely in research is shown in the table:
Year Percentage 1990–91 134.4 1994–95 228.3 1995–96 329.5 1996–97 429.6 1 Based on Universities Statistical Record (USR) data for UK universities formerly funded by Universities Funding Council (UFC) 2 Based on Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data for UK universities and colleges of higher education 3 Ibid 4 Ibid Note:
Figures for the academic year 1997–98 are not yet available
§ Mr. GreenTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidance he has given universities about the appropriate balance between research and teaching activities. [63367]
§ Mr. MudieIn our response to the Dearing Report on Higher Education in February 1998 we said that a better balance is needed in higher education between teaching, research and scholarship. Guidance to the Higher Education Funding Council for England issued on 8 December said that we expect the Council to promote and enhance high quality teaching and learning and welcomed the Council's proposals to set aside £30m for promoting and rewarding high quality in teaching. It also welcomed the Council's involvement in the preparation for an 389W Institute for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education. The guidance reflects our aim to promote effective learning and teaching, alongside our commitment to maintaining a world class science base.