Scottish Business School

Oral Answers to Questions — Education and Science – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 11 Rhagfyr 1973.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Dick Douglas Mr Dick Douglas , Clackmannan and East Stirlingshire 12:00, 11 Rhagfyr 1973

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will make a statement on the recent relationships between her Department and the Scottish Business School.

Photo of Mrs Margaret Thatcher Mrs Margaret Thatcher Secretary of State for Education and Science, Shadow Secretary of State for Education and Science

There is no formal relationship between my Department and the Scottish Business School, but the three universities concerned in its programme of work are in touch with the University Grants Committee. The quinquennial settlement provides for 2,927 full-time and part-time students by 1976–77.

Photo of Mr Dick Douglas Mr Dick Douglas , Clackmannan and East Stirlingshire

I thank the right hon. Lady for that reply. Will she confirm that at long last the Scottish Business School has got its administration sorted out and that we have one clear line of authority, after two or three wasted years?

Photo of Mrs Margaret Thatcher Mrs Margaret Thatcher Secretary of State for Education and Science, Shadow Secretary of State for Education and Science

I am delighted that the Scottish Business School is now off to a good start, and I hope that it will continue.

Photo of Mr Ronald Murray Mr Ronald Murray , Edinburgh Leith

In view of the lack of formal relationships between the Minister's Department and the Scottish Education Department, is it not high time for a Royal Commission to investigate education in the United Kingdom as a whole?

Photo of Mrs Margaret Thatcher Mrs Margaret Thatcher Secretary of State for Education and Science, Shadow Secretary of State for Education and Science

No. It was not a formal relationship between my Department and the Scottish Business School. It comes under the University Grants Committee, which has given what I hope will be thought to be a good quinquennial settlement.