§ 20. Mr. Prenticeasked the Minister of Education what short-term steps he is taking, pending the implementation of the proposals in the Robbins Report, to assist those who fail to secure admission to universities to obtain places in technical colleges offering degree courses.
§ Sir E. BoyleSchools and local education authorities are always ready to help boys and girls to find places in suitable technical college courses, and it was with a view to assisting them that earlier this year I issued the Ministry booklet Further Education for School Leavers. My Department is discussing with the Universities Central Council on Admissions ways in which the Council may be able to help in this matter.
§ Mr. PrenticeDoes the right hon. Gentleman expect these discussions to produce any results by next summer? Does he recall that I drew his attention to difficulties in certain areas last year? Does he think that these can be overcome by next year? It is an urgent problem for these young people.
§ Sir E. BoyleMy answer is, "I very much hope, yes". As soon as the colleges of advanced technology achieve university status they will automatically be eligible to participate fully in the U.C.C.A. arrangements.