§ 25. Mr. Christopher Priceasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many schemes for polytechnics he has now approved; and when he will have made decisions about all the schemes which he has invited local education authorities to submit.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsMy right hon. Friend expects to be able soon to announce decisions on most of the 20 schemes that have been submitted. The timing on the remaining schemes must depend on when they are submitted by the authorities concerned.
§ Mr. PriceIs the Minister aware of the impression that the Government are backpedalling somewhat in their previous enthusiasm to get these polytechnics off the ground? Will she give an assurance that this is not so?
§ Mrs. WilliamsThere is no question whatever of the Government backpedalling on this. My hon. Friend is no doubt aware of the two important factors which arise. The first is that we wish to consult the professional associations involved, and particularly those of teachers in colleges of further education; it would be wrong to go ahead until they feel that they have had ample opportunity to put their views forward. The second is that these schemes must be fully liberal, and to achieve this there must inevitably be a great deal of consultation with the local authorities concerned.
§ Mr. MolloyCould my hon. Friend say whether if reasonable evidence could be provided in regard to the London area, where polytechnics have already been established, there might be a need for some amendment of the original decisions?
§ Mrs. WilliamsWe are open to suggestions for amending schemes until the point when they are designated. There are, from the point of view of London, quite particular difficulties about the number of polytechnic schemes.