Written question asked by Ben Chapman (Labour) on Monday, 18 January 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 20 January 2010. It was answered by David Lammy (Labour) on Monday, 25 January 2010 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Higher Education: Wirral

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills whether his Department plans to establish a University of Wirral under its New University Challenge scheme.

Answer: As set out in Higher Ambitions, we are committed to the enhancement of locally accessible higher education through a new University Challenge initiative. Since 2003, the Higher Education Funding Council for England has announced support for 17 new local HE centres. In October last year, the HEFCE announced that six further outline proposals could be taken forward, including one in the Wirral. The timing for submission of full business cases will be decided in the context of the next spending review.

Secondary information