To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the current financial position of the Open University in terms of (a) the development of new courses, (b) current course maintenance and updating and (c) research.

The Open University is now conducting a thorough reappraisal of its existing plans and forecasts. Its conclusions are to be discussed with the visiting committee, and the committee will report to my right hon. Friend later in the year.