asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, in view of the fact that he has asked for and has received many representations from interested bodies on the creation of a council for tertiary education and the closing dates has been passed about one month ago, if he will make a statement on when he will come forward with firm proposals on the creation and powers of a council of tertiary education in Scotland.

My right hon. Friend is considering the comments received in response to the consultative paper issued in January, and hopes to be in a position to make an announcement soon.