§ 6. Mr. Bryan Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give details of curriculum development and research projects currently being undertaken by the regional 392W technical examinations bodies, the colleges of education (technical) or by other bodies with similar interests relating specifically to the curricular needs of young people in the 16–19 year age group for which the present system of school and further education examinations offer little opportunity.
§ Mr. PrenticeThis detailed information is not available and could not be obtained without disproportionate cost. As I said in reply to my hon. Friend on 8th April—[Vol. 889, c. 1000–1]— the curricular needs of those in the 16–19 age group in further education are among the matters at present being studied by my Department.
§ 8. Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his policy towards financial assistance to the councils for technical education and business education, designed to establish their curriculum development and other activities on a basis conducive to continuous activity.
§ Mr. PrenticeI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on 8th April to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Cannock (Mr. Roberts). I shall continue to pay annual grants to the two councils, following consultation with them on their needs, until they are firmly established.