§ 7. Mr. Baldryasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what response he has had from directors of polytechnics to his proposed reform of polytechnic control and organisation.
Mr. JacksonMost directors have warmly welcomed the proposed changes. The Committee of Directors of Polytechnics is planning positively for the new arrangements.
§ Mr. BaldryThe overwhelming support for those changes is welcome news to us, as it must be to polytechnic directors. The funding of polytechnics will increase next year by about £64.5 million, which is an increase of about 9 per cent. It will enable greater access to higher education, which will continue a trend, because last year the increase was about 6.5 per cent. better than target. Does that not show that polytechnics are continuing to fulfil a real role in ensuring that people have access to higher education?
Mr. JacksonMy hon. Friend is quite right. Congratulations to the polytechnics are in order. As I said earlier, polytechnics and colleges are now the largest sector of higher education in this country, with about 300,000 students. From my visits around the country, I am learning just how dynamic and energetic the polytechnics are.
§ Mr. Win GriffithsWill the Minister tell us why the Polytechnic of Wales was excluded from the proposals that were made for polytechnics in England, and what exactly is meant by the offer of corporate status for the polytechnic and other institutes of higher education in Wales?
Mr. JacksonThat question is still being considered by the Government. Obviously, it is a matter that the hon. Gentleman should take up with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.
§ Mr. WattsIs my hon. Friend aware that there is a warm welcome for the proposals from the Slough college of further education, which will be free from local education authority control? Is he further aware that there is some concern about the present funding arrangements in respect of part-time students? Will he undertake to consider that matter in his further development of the proposals?
Mr. JacksonWe are anxious to encourage part-time students. Their numbers are growing and they form an increasing proportion of the numbers in universities and polytechnics. The issue is kept under annual review in the public expenditure round and I agree with my hon. Friend that it deserves serious attention.
§ Mr. Andrew F. BennettHow can the Minister justify a separate funding body for universities and polytechnics in the Government's new proposals for the funding of higher education? Is it not high time that there was one body to fund the whole of higher education?
Mr. JacksonAs I recall, the concept of the binary system originated under a Labour Government. It reflected a just appreciation of the existence of different possible missions for institutions in higher education. There is a difference of mission and one of historical background, and those are reflected in the Government's proposals.