§ Mr. Andersonasked the Prime Minister what plans he has to transfer additional functions in respect of education to the Secretary of State for Wales.
§ The Prime MinisterI have decided to transfer to my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales responsibility in the Principality for all non-university institutions of higher and further education; public libraries; the youth and community services; and adult education. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science will continue to exercise responsibility as at present for the University of Wales; the Research Councils; mandatory and postgraduate awards to students; and the pay, superannuation, qualifications, probation and medical fitness of teachers and cases of teachers' misconduct.
The new arrangements will make it easier to take account, as appropriate, of 7W the special needs and circumstances of Wales, but both Secretaries of State will work closely together on the full range of functions now being transferred, as on those already transferred.
The educational and library interests will be consulted about the details of the implementation of the transfer and a Transfer of Functions Order will then be laid before Parliament. I envisage that it will come into effect on lst April 1978 or as soon as possible thereafter.