I take my hon. Friend's point about the importance of consultation on the basis of a rational understanding of the requirements of institutions I am pleased about the exciting and rapid rate of expansion in higher education, right across the board. The rate of expansion has been greater and more creative energy and innovation have been witnessed in recent years in the polytechnics. I have no doubt, however, that the universities will wish to respond. We wish to ensure that the amounts of funding and the funding methodologies are sensibly designed to take account of the needs of universities.