HC Deb 27 June 1968 vol 767 cc790-1
11. Mr. Kenneth Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will arrange for part-time students in architecture to take their degrees at polytechnics if they so wish.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

There are at present no part-time courses leading to a degree in architecture. The possibility of arranging such a course in a polytechnic would initially be a matter for the individual institution, no doubt in consultation with the R.I.B.A. There are four proposals for full-time courses which will have to satisfy the requirements of my Department and of the Council for National Academic Awards.

Mr. Lewis

Cannot the hon. Lady and her Department influence the institution of part-time courses? Full-time courses do not entirely meet the need. There is a shortage of architects—even Ministries are short of architects—and there are many pupils who would like to take up part-time courses. Why should not they have the opportunity?

Mrs. Williams

I fully share the hon. Gentleman's concern. We are anxious that in polytechnics, as they are designated, part-time advanced courses should be recognised to be on all fours with full-time courses, but since no polytechnics have been finally designated there is at present none on which one could bring pressure.

Mr. Christopher Price

Will my hon. Friend counteract the policy of the R.I.B.A. to put all schools of architecture into the universities? Is she aware that many of us feel that architecture is just the sort of subject which is most suitable for study in polytechnics?

Mrs. Williams

I take my hon. Friend's point, but it is fair to say that in schools of architecture which are not part of universities it is still possible to gain exemption from R.I.B.A. examinations or to take external examinations. I shall bear closely in mind the trend to which my hon. Friend has referred, because it is one which goes wider than the subject of architecture alone.