§ 3. Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on Government policy on the reorganisation of higher education in the non-university sector.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Education and Science (Mr. Gerry Fowler)The Government generally intend to proceed on the broad lines set out in the White Paper "Education: A Framework for Expansion"—Cmnd. 5174—and in accordance with Circular 7/73.
§ Mr. HooleyIs my hon. Friend aware that there is a certain degree of urgency in this matter, as reorganisation of higher education has to be geared into the academic year? If decisions miss a particular September, we are stuck for another 12 months. Is my hon. Friend further aware that impending reorganisation is causing a good deal of uncertainty and unease, not merely to academic but to 1069 non-academic staff in colleges and elsewhere? May we have an early decision on this matter?
§ Mr. FowlerEach case has to be considered on its merits once we have received a proposal from the local education authority. I appreciate the need for haste. Equally, I appreciate the need to consult staff and to protect their interests.
§ Mr. LaneWithin the whole of higher education, will the Government continue to give special emphasis to the polytechnics, so that in the next few years the universities may concern themselves more with consolidation than with expansion?
§ Mr. FowlerAs I said in my original answer, we intend to proceed on the broad lines indicated in the White Paper of December 1972. That makes clear where the emphasis in expansion will he.