§ 14. Mr. Iremongerasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science why the course in languages and related social studies was allowed to start at the Holborn College of Law, Languages and Commerce on the understanding that it would lead to a Council of National Academic Awards' Honours Bachelor of Arts degree without making sure that the grant of degree status for the course would not be subsequently refused by the Council, as it now has been; and what action he proposes to take about students whose careers are likely to suffer as a result.
§ Mr. Goronwy RobertsThe course was started before the Council for National 683 Academic Awards was established and I1 understand from the local education authority that it was not represented as leading to the Council's degree. In February, 1966, application was made to the C.N.A.A. for recognition of the course for a degree; but the Council withheld approval. The college authorities are doing all they can to help students who now wish to transfer to another course.
§ Mr. IremongerWill the hon. Gentleman look at this again? Obviously, the people were misinformed about this and their careers have been irretrievably prejudiced by what has happened. If this is something which has happened once for all and will not happen again because the Council was not set up at the time, cannot the Minister make a special dispensation for the people concerned in this case?
§ Mr. RobertsFrankly, I do not think that special action could be taken in a case like this. The course was started in September, 1964, and was announced as one leading to the college diploma, a most valuable qualification. Application was then made to the Council for National Academic Awards, but for various reasons the Council felt unable to approve the course for such a qualification. I do not know how far I could look further into the matter, but I would be ready to discuss it in greater detail with the hon. Member if he would like to do so.