Universities: BAME Women in Leadership Positions
Debate between Viscount Younger of Leckie and Lord Garel-Jones
Viscount Younger of Leckie
I start by applauding the work that the noble Baroness continues to do in this field. I acknowledge that the figures are of concern; that is why, in addition to the October announcement I just mentioned, on 1 February the Government announced measures to tackle ethnic disparities in higher education, specifically in recruitment and progression opportunities for ethnic minority academics. The noble Baroness may know that Karen Blackett is the Government’s race at work champion. She will be working at institutions, including universities, to address inequality by taking practical steps, such as introducing apprenticeships and offering mentorships.
Lord Garel-Jones (Con)
Does my noble friend agree that universities are independent institutions and that that independence is an important ingredient in creating the prestige that British universities enjoy globally? Consequently, does he agree that universities should not have a responsibility to deploy effective recruitment procedures?
Viscount Younger of Leckie
My Lords, there is a balance. I thank my noble friend for making that point because this House took through autonomy for institutions during the passage of the Higher Education and Research Act, so that autonomy is important. On the other hand, the Office for Students has a statutory duty to protect the academic freedom of English higher education providers, so while it has its duty to put some pressure on the universities, equally, universities must be allowed to make decisions themselves as to who they employ and how much they are paid.
Economy: Business Investment
Debate between Viscount Younger of Leckie and Lord Garel-Jones
Viscount Younger of Leckie
Yes, I have noticed that. Having said that, we are doing much in terms of the Green Investment Bank, which has invested directly and indirectly in 22 projects from five dedicated funds. It has directly committed £791 million, which will mobilise a total of £3.3 billion when fully deployed.
Lord Garel-Jones (Con)
My noble friend will no doubt be aware of the Pacific Alliance treaty signed by Mexico, Colombia, Peru and Chile, which Costa Rica and Panama are shortly to join. Given that this represents the seventh or eighth largest trading bloc in the world, what steps are Her Majesty’s Government taking to encourage trade and investment with this important area?
Viscount Younger of Leckie
My noble friend is right. I am aware of this and the Government are working hard to increase trade in this area. My noble friend Lord Livingston recently headed up a successful trade mission to Colombia and Mexico, with some promising leads. I take this opportunity to congratulate my noble friend Lady Bonham-Carter on her excellent work as the Prime Minister’s trade envoy to Mexico. Exports of British goods to Mexico increased by 51% between 2009 and 2012.