HC Deb 10 November 1966 vol 735 c1524
29. Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is aware of the course for training local government councillors which is running at the Luton College of Technology; and if he will encourage other colleges to provide similar courses.

Mr. Redhead

I was interested to hear of this course and should welcome the provision of similar courses where the demand exists and the college is equipped to respond to it.

Mr. Roberts

Would not my hon. Friend agree that if democracy is to have any meaning we must, in the increasing complexity of local and national Government, be able to train people who can meet officials on equal terms? Does not he also agree that this type of course would play a vital part in such training?

Mr. Redhead

I have been too long in local government not to appreciate the force of those remarks, but my hon. Friend will appreciate that the Secretary of State has no power to require local education authorities and colleges to mount particular courses. But I hope that my reply to these questions today will provide encouragement of the kind my hon. Friend desires.