§ Lord Pattenasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether medieval history should be supported by public funds in British universities; and [HL2822]
Following recent remarks by the Secretary of State of Education, Charles Clarke, concerning medieval history, what other subjects they consider are not worthy of study [HL2823]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Education and Skills (Baroness Ashton of Upholland):The Government believe that a wide range of disciplines, including medieval history, are worthy of study and public support. That is why we are increasing the unit funding for higher education by 7 per cent in real terms between 2002–03 and 2005–06, compared with the 8 per cent real terms cut which took place between 1992–93 and 1994–95 when the noble Lord was Secretary of State for Education.