HC Deb 25 February 1982 vol 18 cc969-70
2. Mr. Stallard

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the full report of the Northern Ireland higher education review group will be published.

The Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

I expect that the final report of the higher education review group will be published in March.

Mr. Stallard

I am grateful to the Minister for that reply. Is he aware of the strength of the opposition that he has aroused within the minority community following the publication of his proposals to close the two teacher training colleges at St. Mary's and St. Joseph's? May I remind the hon. Gentleman that not even the previous Stormont regime was as discriminatory as those proposals? Will he give an assurance that nothing will be done to finalise the proposals until he has had further discussions with representatives of the community involved?

Mr. Scott

The hon. Gentleman's supplementary question relates to the interim report of the review group, about which a question appears later on the Order Paper. I am aware of the strength of feeling that has been aroused, based, at least in part, I believe, on a misunderstanding. I am holding conversations and discussions with all the providers of teacher training in Northern Ireland. I hope, obviously, to be able to proceed by agreement.

Mr. Kilfedder

Will the hon. Gentleman ignore the scurrilous campaign, particularly the chapel collection of signatures, including those of youngsters of 16 and under, organised by the Roman Catholic Church, which annoyed many members of that faith? Will the Government get rid of the last vestiges of sectarianism in higher education by abolishing all three teacher training colleges and placing the education of potential teachers in the universities? Will the Government then move to end the religious apartheid maintained at public expense in schools in Ulster, which continues to divide the community.

Mr. Scott

I have listened to all responsible expressions of opinion on the subject. The answer to the second part of the hon. Gentleman's question is "No". The overwhelming principle throughout the United Kingdom is that the wishes of parents should be respected in regard to the schooling of their children. The existence of Catholic education demands the provision of a suitable number of Catholic-trained teachers.

Mr. Fitt

Will the Minister accept that the Catholic Church has behind it centuries of experience of Catholic teaching? Is it not, therefore, highly unlikely that the Catholic Church has misunderstood any of the Minister's proposals? In fact, there is only too great an awareness of what the Government's proposals may mean. Does the hon. Gentleman appreciate that any attempt unduly to discriminate against the two colleges will provoke a war in Northern Ireland, which this or any other Government cannot win?

Mr. Scott

There is no intention to discriminate against these colleges. Let me give an example of the misunderstanding that has arisen. It has been widely reported that the Government intend to close the colleges. That was not suggested by Sir Henry Chilver and I have certainly not suggested it. The idea is that the colleges might amalgamate and move to a site common with the other teacher training college in Belfast. They would preserve their autonomy and their independence.