§ 26. Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is aware of the disparity between the time taken to complete teacher-training colleges in England and Wales with the time taken in Scotland; and how he proposes to speed up the creation of teacher-training colleges in England and Wales.
§ Mr. Goronwy RobertsI am aware of the remarkably quick construction of the new colleges at Ayr and Falkirk. Special techniques were employed which are not 645 applicable to a large expansion programme which consists, as does the programme in England and Wales, mainly of extensions to existing colleges. But we are constantly seeking ways of increasing the speed of building work.
§ Mr. DalyellWhat representations has the Minister had from the A.T.C.D.E. on this matter?
§ Mr. RobertsI have not had representations from that quarter, but I am aware of general interest in the educational world about the lessons which may be drawn from the examples provided at Ayr and Falkirk, and we are continually studying this and keeping up with it.