§ Mrs. Ann Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Eduction and Science what plans he has to cut back on the number of initial school teacher training places in polytechnics; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MulleyAs a result of the reorganisation initiated by my Department's Circular 7/73, the number of such training places in polytechnics will increase very substantially by 1981. In 1971 only seven of the 30 polytechnics contained education departments, but by 1981 I expect over 20 polytechnics to be engaged in initial teacher training. Discussions are continuing between my Department and individual local education authorities about the numbers of teacher training places to be provided at each of the polytechnics concerned.