§ 31. Mr. Rhodesasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is Her Majesty's Government's policy concerning the Report on Technician Courses and Examinations, produced by a committee of the National Advisory Council on Education for Industry and Commerce, under the chairmanship of Dr. H. L. Haslegrave, a copy of which is in her possession.
§ 56. Miss Quennellasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when she will make a statement on the Haslegrave Report.
§ Mrs. ThatcherI warmly welcome Dr. Haslegrave's valuable report, which I have now received from the National Advisory Council on Education for Industry and Commerce, together with the council's advice on the views expressed by the many interested bodies. I have 1420 approved in principle the main administrative recommendations addressed to me. My Department will now begin discussions and negotiations with a view to implementing these recommendations.
§ Mr. RhodesI thank the right hon. Lady for that reply. But will she specifically say whether she accepts in principle the recommendations on the functions and the composition of the Business Education Council and the Technician Education Council? When will the right hon. Lady be able to make an announcement about the personnel who will serve on those councils? Does the Secretary of State also accept in principle the recommendation that the C.G.L.I. should be the administering body to serve these councils?
§ Mrs. ThatcherI accept the recommendation in the report about establishing a Technician Education Council and a Business Education Council. Negotiations will begin fairly quickly with those likely to be most directly concerned with the administrative organisation of these councils.