University Department Closures

EDM number 505 in 2004-05, proposed by Tim Collins on 13/01/2005.

That this House notes with concern that many more university science departments face closure, following the recent decision by Exeter and Newcastle Universities to close their chemistry and physics departments respectively; believes that such closures pose a significant risk to the future of science in the United Kingdom and to the future competitiveness of the economy; further notes that the Government has failed to take action to protect key subjects that are under threat from falling student numbers; expresses its concern at the way the Government's decision to reduce relative funding for departments assessed at 4 star or below in the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) is threatening the future of subjects at many universities; and calls upon the Government to mount an urgent review of the RAE.

This motion has been signed by a total of 62 MPs.