AS the MP for Lancashire West and Secretary of the North West Group of Labour MPs, I am dismayed to see yet another of our successful industries being undermined and under-invested by the Government.

In a region more heavily hit than others by unemployment and industrial decline, the growth of higher education over the past few years has been a signal of hope and opportunity for the communities in the North West.

The net result benefits us all. The influx of young people from other parts of the UK and other countries to our local institutions adds to this region's vitality, as well as bringing in further income to local businesses and services.

Yet, in the last Budget, Kenneth Clarke cut higher education funding in the North West to the tune of £21.6 million; a massive amount, equivalent to the closure of a small university or HE college.

Higher education in economic terms alone is an industry which supports 30,000 jobs and brings in £1.05 billion to the North West. It has had an envious record of expansion and higher productivity for which staff have not been properly rewarded and, rather than cuts, there should be congratulations for their achievements and a recognition of the efforts put in by those who work in and manage these institutions.

Rather than having a cash-driven higher education sector, we badly need a national debate on the future of the universities.

The review headed by Sir Ron Dearing will address this, but not for two years. What happens in the meantime?

COLIN PICKTHALL, Labour MP for Lancashire West, Secretary, North West Group of Labour MPs.

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