Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Willetts and Ann McKechin

Thursday 23rd January 2014 Commons Chamber

[The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David Willetts)]

There are of course no caps on the number of legitimate, properly qualified students who can come to study in Britain, and I take every opportunity to visit India, as does the Prime Minister, to communicate that message there. Properly qualified Indian students are welcome here.

[Ann McKechin (Glasgow North) (Lab)]

T8. The Financial Times this morning quotes a Treasury spokesman as saying that an interest rate rise is “not something we are worried about” and a “sign of success”. Does the Secretary of State concur with that view?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Willetts and Ann McKechin

Thursday 20th December 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Willetts]

We got an excellent outcome from the European Space Agency ministerial last month. Britain is now the leader of the ARTES 2 programme for the development of the next generation telecommunications platform. It is great to see British businesses taking a lead here, and this will increase broadband speeds and reduce costs for UK users in rural and remote areas, making satellite broadband even more accessible.

[Ann McKechin (Glasgow North) (Lab)]

T1. If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Willetts and Ann McKechin

Thursday 6th September 2012 Commons Chamber

[Ann McKechin (Glasgow North) (Lab)]

Further to the Minister of State’s comments about overseas students, can he explain why there has been such a substantial decrease in applications, given the consequent substantial impact that will have on the British economy?

[Mr Willetts]

The evidence from UCAS—admittedly it is imperfect—does not show a fall in overseas applications. Indeed, more students are either coming to Britain to study or remaining overseas and studying for British degrees. That adds up to more than 1 million people who want to come and study for British university qualifications. That is a fantastic effort, and we can increase that number.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Willetts and Ann McKechin

Thursday 15th March 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Willetts]

The coalition is keen to see more of these university technical colleges. They are an excellent way of linking universities and schools, and I am sure that his eloquent bid will have been noted.

[Ann McKechin (Glasgow North) (Lab)]

Given that UK companies are sitting on some of the highest levels of cash reserves of any western nation, what steps will the Secretary of State’s Department take to release those funds for the much-needed investment in British industry?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Willetts and Ann McKechin

Thursday 8th July 2010 Commons Chamber

[Ann McKechin (Glasgow North) (Lab)]

12. What plans he has for the future funding of university-based research.

[The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David Willetts)]

During 2010-11, the Department will provide £5.7 billion in funding for science and research, made up of £3.9 billion, principally to the research councils, and £1.8 billion of research funding distributed by the Universities Funding Council in England. The previous Government delayed the comprehensive spending review, so budgets have not been set for future years. They will be decided this autumn as part of the spending review.

[Ann McKechin]

As the Minister will, I am sure, agree, we enjoy a world-class research base in our universities here in the UK, but stability of funding is crucial to that. I seek reassurance today that he will take that as a priority, especially for science research, which is so essential as a driver for our economy. Can he confirm whether the VAT increase, which will affect universities to the extent of £200 million, will be taken into account?

[Mr Willetts]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I are committed to a strong research base in Britain and in our universities. If the hon. Lady looks at the Budget, she will see that it contained, alongside the necessary VAT increase, imaginative proposals to try to help universities respond to that challenge.