HC Deb 24 March 1927 vol 204 cc542-3
24. Mr. HANNON

asked the President of the Board of Education with regard to the application from the Selly Park Training College, Birmingham, to be placed on the grant list, if he is aware that during the past 15 years those responsible for the management of the college have had to meet an annual deficit of about £1,600, and that the efficiency of the training carried out by this college has been admitted to be as good as that provided by grant-earning colleges; and, seeing that under the new Superannuation Act teachers in this non-grant-earning college suffer serious disadvantages, is he now in a position to recognise the college as eligible to be placed on the grant list?

Lord E. PERCY

As my hon. Friend is aware, the Board have recently undertaken a review of the whole training college position. In connection with that review, revised regulations for training colleges were issued last year which removed certain restrictions, dating from 20 years ago, on the recognition of new voluntary colleges. The present application of the Selly Park College is, I understand, in some measure due to this change, but in connection with it I have also to consider the proposals which, in response to Circular 1377, training colleges are now submitting to me for the number of students which they desire the Board to recognise for the three years begining 1st August next. It is only reasonable that I should examine all these applications as a whole, in relation to the probable demand for teachers in the next few years and in relation to the cost involved. I may add that Selly Park has already been accepted for the purposes of the superannuation scheme under Section 21 (1) (a) of the Act of 1925.

Mr. HANNON

Would my Noble Friend say when he thinks he will be able to give a decision in the case of the Selly Park Training College, Birmingham?

Lord E. PERCY

I cannot give a definite reply to that question now because I have to consider all the other proposals at the same time. The fact that I did revise the Regulations shows quite clearly that I am not disposed against them.

Mr. HANNON

Has any complaint been made against the efficiency of this training college? Lord E. PERCY: No, Sir.