HC Deb 08 January 2002 vol 377 c647W
Dr. Fox

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to apply for the Royal Charter for the NHS University. [24440]

Mr. Hutton

Our aim is to create a university with award granting powers and a Royal Charter, with the same status as existing universities. Before a university can be created and awarded a Royal Charter, the Department for Education and Skills applies very rigorous processes and standards. It is recognised that this will take time. As the institution grows, we believe we can meet the required standards and at such time an application for a Royal Charter will be made.