HC Deb 17 January 1978 vol 942 cc227-8
4. Mr. Grocott

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she is satisfied that the polytechnics are fulfilling the functions for which they were created; and if she will make a statement.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

The polytechnics have, in their relatively short existence, made excellent progress in establishing themselves as comprehensive academic institutions catering for students in all types of higher education. I expect them to make the major contribution towards the expansion of about 39 per cent. envisaged for higher education other than teacher training in the non-university sector by 1981–82.

Mr. Grocott

Is it not true that, far from being comprehensive institutions of higher education, the polytechnics are increasingly concentrating on full-time degree courses to the exclusion of part-time and day-release students? Now that we are moving towards a comprehensive secondary system of education, is it not time that we did something about the chaotic state of higher education and moved to a genuinely comprehensive system at 18-plus?

Mrs. Williams

With regard to the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, I think he will be pleased to know that the number of part-time courses in the polytechnics increased by 41 per cent. between 1971 and 1976. Although the number has not increased proportionately, this is largely because of a very rapid expansion in sandwich courses which many hon. Members believe to be a good form of higher education.

Turning to the second part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, we are considering the whole question of the public sector's inter-relationship in the Committee chaired by my hon. Friend the Minister of State. The House will have an opportunity to consider that when the report is available later this year.

Mr. Forman

Is it not vital to get the polytechnics to do more to increase their share of part-time education? Is the Minister satisfied that enough is being done in her Department to that end?

Mrs. Williams

Yes. A great deal of attention is being given to the whole question of keeping open part-time routes to qualifications. This is one of the matters which both the Technician Education Council and the Business Education Council are carefully considering.

The hon. Gentleman will be aware that it is also necessary to carry the professional institutions with us. I have often said that we think that the part-time course is an essential channel for many students.