HC Deb 06 May 1965 vol 711 cc1548-9
24. Mr. Park

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action he is taking to encourage the development of school career departments.

Mr. Prentice

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer I gave to the hon. Member for Brentford and Chiswick (Mr. Dudley Smith) on 18th March, 1965.

Mr. Park

Would not my hon. Friend agree that there is a great deal of dissatisfaction among careers masters and mistresses about the present state of accommodation and equipment? Would he undertake to consult with the local education authorities to see if it would be possible to make provision for school careers departments in the plans of new school buildings?

Mr. Prentice

I will certainly bear in mind the point made by my hon. Friend. We are considering a number of aspects of this problem at the moment with a view to stimulating the growth of careers advice in one form or another.

Mr. J. H. Osborn

Would the Minister of State agree that contact with industry is of great importance? What is he doing to encourage contact between careers masters and local industry, as well as through directors of education?

Mr. Prentice

Yes, Sir. I certainly agree that contact with industry is important. The Ministry is at present preparing a pamphlet on these matters for consideration in the schools. We run courses for careers masters and a one-term course is provided by one of the colleges of education. We regard this as something which must be expanded and improved in all these ways and we will be grateful for any other suggestions which are made from either side of the House in this connection.