Written question asked by Peter Luff (Conservative) on Tuesday, 30 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 December 2004. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Monday, 13 December 2004 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what discussions he has had with Exeter University about the closure of the university's chemistry school; and what assessment he has made of the impact of the closure (a) on students studying chemistry at the university and (b) on the numbers of chemistry graduates.

Answer: Mr. Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what discussions he has had with Exeter University about the closure of the university's chemistry school; and what assessment he has made of the impact of the closure (a) on students studying chemistry at the university and (b) on the numbers of chemistry graduates. [201993] Dr. Howells: The Secretary of State has not had any direct discussions with Exeter University about the closure of its chemistry department. The Higher Education Funding Council of England (HEFCE) is monitoring the situation closely. I understand that the university is working closely with the students to ensure that all their individual needs are met. It has, for example, given assurances that those undergraduates who wish to complete their chemistry course at Exeter will be able to do so. A number of other institutions have also said they are willing to accept transfers if necessary.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 201993; 428 c832-3W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Closures Chemistry Higher education Universities Students Student numbers University of Exeter
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk