§ Paul FarrellyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what representations he has sought from businesses on their preferred methods of contributing to more funding for(a) teaching and (b) research in universities in the United Kingdom. [139174]
§ Alan JohnsonI have not specifically invited representations from business in relation to the funding of teaching in universities. As to research, a consultation on funding for research in Higher Education Institutions, The sustainability of University Research', was published by the Office for Science and Technology at the end of May. It closed for consultation on 30 September. Over 162 formal responses were received, including 11 from industry. These responses, and contributions from meetings with a range of organisations, are receiving careful consideration. The government anticipates an announcement on the outcomes of the consultation early in 2004.