HC Deb 22 November 1983 vol 49 cc160-1
18. Mr. Winnick

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the future of the West Midlands college of higher education.

Mr. Brooke

The committee of the National Advisory Body has been meeting over the last four days and will be recommending to my right hon. Friend the closure of courses other than teacher training for 1984–85 intakes at West Midlands college of higher education.

Mr. Winnick

Is the Minister aware that that answer will be received with dismay in the west midlands? Is he further aware that there is the strongest and most determined opposition to the proposals, which could well lead to the closure of the college? Did not the all-party deputation which met the Minister convince him of the strength of feeling held by all on the local scene—in Walsall, Sandwell and within the black country—who believe that the recommendation is wholly wrong and can cause great injury both to higher education in the west midlands and to the area itself?

Mr. Brooke

I recognise that any such decision, if confirmed in due course by my right hon. Friend, must represent a blow to the morale of those concerned locally. The objective of the National Advisory Body's exercise has been to protect and sustain provision, in the west midlands as elsewhere, which is likely to contribute most to the scientific, technological and industrial future of the country. It is difficult to argue that on that criterion greater priority should have been accorded to the preservation of the non-teacher training courses at the West Midlands college.

Mr. Cormack

Is my hon. Friend aware that what is causing most concern in the west midlands is the fact that if these courses are closed the whole college will cease to have a real purpose? Will he ensure that the future of the college as a whole is considered and that no closures take place until a proper assessment has been made of all the facilities of the college?

Mr. Brooke

The question raised by my hon. Friend is potentially an important issue, and any answer about the ITT allocation at this time would necessarily be speculative.