HC Deb 10 November 1966 vol 735 cc1516-7
13. Sir E. Boyle

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he intends to implement the recommendations of the Working Party on the Government of Colleges of Education; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Crosland

I confirm once again my warm support for the recommendations of the Study Group, and I can now tell the House that the organisations concerned have endorsed its general conclusions, with some reservations on points of detail. I am now considering both the terms of a circular which I shall issue for guidance and also the question of possible legislation. Meanwhile, I hope that pending the issue of a circular all the authorities concerned will consider most carefully (as many of them are already doing) how best to give effect to the Report.

Sir E. Boyle

Does that answer mean that the local authority associations concerned, especially the A.M.C. and the C.C.A., have sent back favourable observations in reply to the right hon. Gentleman's inquiry? Is he aware that, if he wishes to bring in enabling legislation on this highly important topic, he can count on co-operation from this side of the House?

Mr. Crosland

The answer to the first part of the question is that the local authority associations welcome the general spirit and purpose of the report, although making recommendations on points of detail. I am much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman for what he said in the second part of the question.