HC Deb 25 February 1982 vol 18 cc975-6
9. Mr. McNamar

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the reorganisation of teacher training in Northern Ireland.

20. Sir John

Biggs-Davison asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the future of teacher training colleges in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Scott

Discussions are continuing with the major interests involved in teacher education provision in Northern Ireland. No final decisions have yet been taken.

Mr. McNamara

Can the Minister say when he next intends to meet the interests involved? Is he aware that in Catholic teacher training colleges there is grave concern because Northern Ireland Catholic teachers are not being accorded equal parity with teachers elsewhere in the United Kingdom in terms of places at colleges and provision? Is he also aware that any idea that he may have of moving any of the sites out of West Belfast nearer to the university would have adverse effects on employment prospects in West Belfast—a matter that has caused considerable concern?

Mr. Scott

I have noted what the hon. Gentleman said. I am in continuous touch with all the providers, both in correspondence and at meetings, and I shall bear in mind what the hon. Gentleman said, as well as what they say to me, before reaching any final decisions.

Mr. Christopher Price

Is the Minister aware that the Select Committee on Education, Science and Arts has already decided to investigate higher as well as other education provision in Northern Ireland, for which it is responsible to this House? Does he accept as a general principle that higher education, including teacher education, in Northern Ireland should be seen as a whole, wherever the sites at which that higher education is provided happen to be?

Mr. Scott

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Wm. Ross

Is the Minister aware of the prominent part played by the New University of Ulster in providing non-sectarian teacher training for Roman Catholics., tend will he ensure that that university continues to operate in its present form?

Mr. Scott

It would be wrong for me to be drawn on what conclusions the review group may draw in its main report. We shall have to await the outcome.