Higher Education: Funding

Baroness Anelay of St Johns Excerpts

Wednesday 27th October 2010 Lords Chamber

[Lord Hannay of Chiswick]

Can the Minister make a little more coherent the eloquent remarks she made about this being an international matter and that Britain’s place in the international market is strong and needs to become even stronger? Given the incoherence between that and the issue of immigration, I do not see how the two can be fitted together in the timetable she has given. Universities are being hampered now by the immigration system that is temporarily in place, and they do not know whether they will be hampered even more by the one that will be put in place. Can she not say anything about bringing some coherence into these issues?

[Baroness Anelay of St Johns]

My Lords, I am afraid that the noble Lord, Lord Hannay, has taken us to the point where guidance in the Companion says that we should consider finishing the debate. I have heard the debate throughout, both in the Chamber and out, and the noble Lord has raised an important point. I am sure that my noble friend will take the opportunity, through other measures in the House, to respond to him. I know she would wish to do so but, as Chief Whip, I invite her not to do so tonight.

Motion agreed.