HC Deb 21 July 1966 vol 732 cc847-8
13. Mr. Moyle

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will introduce legislation to increase his control over the setting up of privately-owned institutions for adult education, particularly where such institutions offer courses to Commonwealth and colonial students.

The Minister of State, Department of Education and Science (Mr. Goronwy Roberts)

No, Sir, and I do not think that in any case it would be practicable to distinguish between institutions according to whether they might offer courses to overseas students.

Mr. Moyle

I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer, but is he aware that there are a number of tutorial institutions in this country which are attracting Commonwealth and colonial students here on the basis of prospectuses which do not match performance. is not this bad both for Commonwealth relations and for education? Will he consult his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations to see whether increased surveillance can be exercised over these institutions?

Mr. Roberts

I have no evidence to suggest that the large majority of private institutions which operate in this field have abused their position, but I will most willingly consult my right hon. Friend on the point that my hon. Friend has raised.

Sir E. Boyle

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the fact that there might be a good case for saying that the provisions of Part III of the 1944 Act, which is concerned with the registration and inspection of independent schools, should be extended to a number of institutions which cater for pupils above school-leaving age?

Mr. Roberts

I do not agree, as of now, with what the right hon. Gentleman says, but certainly my right hon. Friend and I will take advice on it.