HC Deb 18 July 1957 vol 573 cc1311-2
2. Mr. Moss

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education what provision exists for technical education in the Atherstone, Polesworth, Wilnescote and Kingsbury areas of the County of Warwick; and what steps are being taken to provide technical courses at the Polesworth Secondary Modern School.

Sir E. Boyle

Technical education is provided at Sutton Coldfield Institute of Further Education, at Nuneaton Technical College and School of Art and at a number of evening institutes. At Polesworth County Secondary School courses in engineering, agriculture, commerce and dressmaking are about to be started.

Mr. Moss

Is the Minister aware that there is no provision in this area for secondary technical education, and does he consider that his duties under the Education Act, 1944, which instruct him to provide a varied and comprehensive educational service in every area, have yet been fulfilled in this area?

Sir E. Boyle

I think that the hon. Member is a little too gloomy about this matter. In addition to what I have mentioned, some students also attend technical colleges at Birmingham, Coventry, Tamworth and Hinckley; and an engineering workshop and a drawing office are at present being built in the Polesworth Secondary Modern School. Secondary schools in the area provide a wide range of courses, but my noble Friend does not ask local education authorities to provide exact details about individual schools.