§ 21. Mr. Boydenasked the Minister of Education if, as a result of the co-operation of certain local education authorities and firms in developing non-vocational day release courses, referred to in pages 32 and 33 of his last annual report, he will issue a circular of advice to local education authorities to encourage the broadening of day-release curricula.
§ Mr. ChatawayThe desirability of broadening the studies of day release and other students was stressed in the Circular on the organisation of further education courses which my right hon. Friend sent to local education authorities and colleges on 18th February. A booklet on "General Education in Technical Colleges" was published with a similar object last year. I am sending the hon. Member copies of these.
My right hon. Friend proposes to make available to all authorities and colleges the results of the experiments to which the hon. Member refers as soon as firm conclusions can be drawn from them.
§ Mr. BoydenWould not the Parliamentary Secretary agree that, whereas many local education authorities and employers run very successful vocational courses, there is far less enthusiasm for liberal and non-vocational courses? Will he keep up the pressure in this respect so that a good foundation can be laid ultimately for carrying out the recommendations of the Crowther Report about day release?
§ Mr. ChatawayYes. This was a matter upon which the Crowther Report laid particular emphasis, and we are determined to pursue it.