HC Deb 05 June 2000 vol 351 c144W
Mr. Boswell

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidance he has issued to those conducting the current review of the higher education research assessment exercise in connection with reduction of the administration requirements of the system. [124539]

Mr. Wicks

The Higher Education Funding Council for England, in collaboration with the other funding bodies in the United Kingdom, is carrying out its own fundamental review of research policy and funding. This includes an examination of the research assessment exercise and its continuing fitness for purpose. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment has given no guidance to the Funding Council on how to carry out this review, which is expected to result in a report for consultation later this summer.