HC Deb 17 May 1977 vol 932 cc224-5
20. Mr. Madden

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she is satisfied with the training opportunities in further education establishments.

Mr. Oakes

Yes. The further education service provides a wide and flexible range of courses in response to the country's economic needs and the needs of the individual.

Mr. Madden

What discussions are going on between the DES, the Department of Employment and the Training Services Agency to expand the training opportunities at colleges of further education, particularly in such areas as Calderdale in West Yorkshire, where there is no skillcentre in the immediate vicinity?

Mr. Oakes

Discussions are going on between both Departments. As for Calderdale itself, if my hon. Friend will write to me I shall be able to explain the position more fully to him.

Mr. Marten

What is the present position of pupils between the ages of 15 and 16 who are no longer benefiting from time at secondary school? Are they now allowed to go to a college of further education to complete a further year of their education?

Mr. Oakes

No, Sir. There are link courses between schools and colleges of further education, and very valuable they are, but for full-time education in a college of further education a pupil needs to be 16.