To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the progress towards the creation of the University of the Highlands and Islands; and what recent representations he has received in respect of the proposed establishment. [19210]

[holding answer 4 December 1997]: The Government remain fully committed to encouraging the development of the proposed University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI). Planned provision for the UHI Project in 1997–98 remains at £5 million. I have not received any recent representations in respect of the proposed establishment since visiting the UHI Project Executive Office in September.