§ Mr. AshdownTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he expects to publish draft guidance and model articles of government for institutions in the Polytechnics and Colleges Funding Council sector: what bodies and organisations have been consulted before publication; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth BakerI have today issued draft guidance including model articles of government for institutions which will form the PCFC funding sector, as proposed in the Education Reform Bill. The draft guidance, including model articles, is being issued now in order to give those concerned an opportunity to comment and to help institutions prepare for the introduction of the new arrangements. Comments have been requested by 16 September. Copies of the texts have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.
In preparing the draft, officials had discussions with the Committee of Directors of Polytechnics and the Standing Conference of Principals.