§ Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will give an undertaking that no new art or craft teaching centres will be established in Scotland until the existing spare capacity in art schools is taken up;
(2) what spare capacity in the existing schools of art he expects during the next 10 years.
§ Mr. McElhoneMy right hon. Friend has at present no plans to establish a new art or craft teaching centre, but I understand that the Highlands and Islands Development Board is preparing proposals for the support of the craft industry in the Board's area; these include provision for training craftsmen. The Board has been asked to consult the art colleges about these proposals. While there is some spare capacity in the art colleges at present it is impossible to forecast precisely how this will be affected by course developments or student rolls over the next 10 years.