asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they are satisfied that the financial position of the University of Aberdeen has not adversely affected the quality of training at Scotland's oldest university and whether this will be affected by the handover from the University Grants Committee to the University Funding Council.

It is the University Grants Committee's task, as it will be for the proposed Universities Funding Council, to secure the effective use of the public funds at its disposal. The committee is in continuing discussion with Aberdeen University about appropriate academic and financial plans for the institution.