To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will estimate the number of (a) faculties, (b) chairs and (c) other facilities in relation to Islamic studies in universities which are funded from abroad. (141338)

This information is not collected centrally, but I have recently announced that we will work with the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and the university sector to develop a comprehensive long term project to address the gaps in Islamic studies teaching and research. £1 million has been committed from HEFCE to start this work. By designating Islamic studies as a strategically important subject, we can help ensure that the study of Islamic studies within higher education is up to date and focuses on relevant issues, whatever the source of funding for particular faculties, chairs or other facilities.