asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what discussions he has had with the vice-chancellor of the Open University about the self-financing aspects of continuing education; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend has not discussed this subject with the vice-chancellor. The Open University's continuing education programme is intended to be self-financing. However, the Government recognised that some pump-priming funds for the university's professional, industrial and commercial updating (PICKUP) activities were required. and between 1982–83 and 1984–85 made available loans totalling£2·5 million; they also provided a grant of£0·3 million in 1984–85. The loans were converted to grant in April 1986 in order to assist the development of the continuing education programme.