Written question asked by Robert Key (Conservative) on Friday, 26 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 9 December 2004. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Thursday, 9 December 2004 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what assessment she has made of the impact on science research of the closure of the chemistry department at Exeter University; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of the impact on science research of the closure of the chemistry department at Exeter university; and if he will make a statement. [200634] Dr. Howells: It is too early to early to make a detailed assessment of the impact on science research as a result of the proposed closure of Exeter's chemistry department. However, the quality of chemistry research in English universities has increased significantly. 50 per cent. of departments were rated five or five* in the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) compared with only 20 per cent. in 1996. 27 per cent. were rated four as compared with 23 per cent. in 1996. Overall the UK currently ranks fourth in the world for the number and share of world citations in physical sciences. I have asked HEFCE to advise me on higher education subjects or courses of national strategic importance, including science subjects, where intervention might be appropriate to strengthen or secure them. HEFCE will be entering into a strategic dialogue with universities, colleges, employers and other partners to consider this matter.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 200634; 428 c762-3W;428 c708W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Closures Chemistry Higher education Standards Universities Research Science University of Exeter
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk