Burnham Further Education Committee

HC Deb 01 December 1981 vol 14 c127

6. Mr. Latham

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is now in a position to announce a decision regarding the awarding of a seat on the Burnham further education committee to the Association of Polytechnic Teachers, following the exchange in the House on 21 May and the announcement of consultations by his predecessor on 22 June.

Sir Keith Joseph

Strongly held views have been expressed for and against the proposition. I have not heard the arguments of the Association of Polytechnic Teachers, so I have invited its representatives to put their case to me before I take a decision.

Mr. Latham

As this matter has been dragging on for a long time, and as it cannot be the most significant matter awaiting my right hon. Friend's decision, will he try to determine it as quickly as possible?

Sir Keith Joseph

My hon. Friend's comments are valid, and the answer is "Yes".

Mr. Newens

Will the Secretary of State make it clear that it is not his policy to recognise every small organisation? If he did, none of the representative bodies would be able to reach any agreement. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this organisation represents only a small group of teachers, who are admirably represented—for the most part—by the National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education?

Sir Keith Joseph

I find this statutory function invidious. I have to take all the arguments into account.

Mr. Cormack

Is it not a fact that my right hon. Friend's predecessor considered the matter carefully and decided that the association should be represented? Why is it necessary to consider the matter again?

Sir Keith Joseph

My hon. Friend has not given the whole picture. My predecessor expressed an inclination in one direction, but decided that it was necessary to hold consultations. I must take the results of those consultations into account.

Mr. Christopher Price

Now that the Secretary of State has set up a public sector body in which the polytechnics are only a minority shareholder, what arguments are there for giving that small minority body a seat when teachers across the whole range have been adequately and properly represented for many years by one trade union?

Sir Keith Joseph

Strong arguments are put to me both for and against inclusion. I must resolve the arguments as soon as possible.