§ Mr. KilfoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what discussions he has had with private institutions or organisations on the award of degrees; [83872]
(2) what recent representations he has had from private organisations on the award of degrees. [83874]
§ Margaret HodgeI have had no meetings or discussions with private institutions or organisations on the award of degrees. The Privy Council is responsible for the granting of degree awarding powers and I can confirm that they have received applications from private organisations for the granting of degree awarding powers which are currently being considered under the Quality Assurance Agency's process of scrutiny.