§ Mr. Thorneasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what immediate steps he has in mind to provide increased opportunities for further education and training, including compulsory paid day release, especially for young people who leave school early.
§ Mr. Gerry FowlerAs announced in the Queen's Speech, the Government intend to give priority to the vocational preparation of young people. Our proposals will shortly be announced. We hope to have early consultations with all concerned and to mount pilot courses of further education and training later this year.
§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what study is being made in his Department of regulations or other obstacles which may inhibit the interchange of expertise and pupils between further education colleges and schools.
§ Mr. Gerry FowlerThe regulations give wide scope for effective co-operation, which many local education authorities achieve; but we are studying what more might be done to assist the process.