asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, if he will make a statement on the current state of negotiations regarding the university teacher's pay settlement; whether he will allow the university employers to restore the value of the Leggatt arbitration award; and whether he will consider, with the agreement of the parties, referring this matter to the Clegg Commission on pay comparability.

Negotiations are to be resumed next week. My right hon. and learned Friend will undoubtedly consider referring the university teachers to the Standing Commission on pay comparability. If such a reference were made, it would rest with the Commission to recommend the appropriate pay levels at the present time.