To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science, pursuant to his answer of 14 December, Official Report, column 514, by what date his Department intends to introduce amendments to section 42 of the Education Act 1986 to remove disincentives for third parties seeking to invest in dual-use projects.

The amendment of section 42 of the Education (No. 2) Act 1986 is being considered for inclusion in the legislative programme at the earliest possible opportunity. In the meantime it remains our policy to encourage dual-use arrangements for the benefit of the whole community.