To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations his Department has received regarding the delay in funding prosthetics and orthotics courses at Salford and their consequences; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend received four letters earlier this year about proposals to establish courses in prosthetics and orthotics jointly at Salford university and Salford college of technology. It is for higher education institutions themselves to determine the priority they give to such developments, in consultation with the funding councils as appropriate.