§ 12. Mr. DoverTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on his Department's consultation document on further education.
§ Dr. MawhinneyFurther education has an important contribution to make to the economic and social life of Northern Ireland. The consultative document "Signposts 1165 for the 90s: A Review of Further Education" highlights the main issues which need to be addressed and identifies a number of ways forward. The consultative period will last until the end of the year and I look forward to receiving the views of the many interested parties.
§ Mr. DoverDoes the Minister agree that the proposal to allow further education students to study university module courses for two years is revolutionary and innovative and that it will open up the possibility of higher education to many more Northern Ireland students?
§ Dr. MawhinneyI am grateful to my hon. Friend. That is one of a number of proposals that we are seeking to canvass during the consultative period, not least because it would make a particularly significant contribution in Northern Ireland, which no longer has a polytechnic.