§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to change the London allowance for university teachers; what representations he has received regarding an increase; and if he will make a statement. [128803]
§ Alan JohnsonThe Department has no plans to intervene in what is a matter for universities themselves. As universities are independent and autonomous bodies the Government plays no part in setting the levels of pay in the higher education sector, including London weighting. These are subject to regulations between employers, their staff and their representative trade union bodies. Both my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Skills and myself have had correspondence and discussions with the unions for staff in higher education and the universities on this issue and we have stressed that we cannot intervene on this matter.