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Dept for Education and Skills

Answer

Dr. Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of the impact of the proposed closure by Exeter University of its undergraduate chemistry provision on the Government's 10-Year Investment Framework for Science and Innovation. [202694] Dr. Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what assessment he has made of the impact of closure by Exeter University of its undergraduate chemistry provision on the Government's 10-Year Investment Framework for Science and Innovation; and if he will make a statement. [202899] Dr. Howells: I do not at this stage believe that the closure of Exeter University's chemistry department will adversely affect the 10-Year Investment Framework for Science and Innovation. However, as set out in the framework, I have asked HEFCE to set up an expert group, including business and scientific leaders, to review how falling SET provision will affect long-term regional and national economic development, and whether there is a greater role to be played by business, funding councils, HEIs and other stakeholders. Higher education institutions (HEIs) are autonomous organisations responsible for their own academic direction and strategic use of funds. HEFCE is monitoring the situation closely.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

202694; 428 c833W

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Closures Chemistry Government assistance Higher education Universities Students Science University of Exeter

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk