Leading Article: Engineer trouble

Engineering is in jeopardy at British universities because equipment is out of date and institutions can't afford to upgrade it. This sombre message comes from a study by JM Consulting commissioned by the Engineering and Technology Board and the Engineering Professors' Council. It will feed into an inquiry into engineering to be conducted by the Commons innovation, universities and skills select committee. Clearly the Higher Education Funding Council must increase the funding it gives to universities to teach engineering if the subject is to remain healthy.