HC Deb 20 June 1979 vol 968 c614W
Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what will be (a) the intake in year 1979–80 and (b) the total capacity of the Scottish teacher training colleges.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

On intake, I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's reply of 24 May to my hon. Friend the Member for Aberdeen, South (Mr. Sproat)—[Vol. 967, c.254–56]. On capacity, much surplus accommodation in the colleges of education has already been put to other use. Arrangements are in hand for further transfers of accommodation, and when these have been completed later this year the total capacity of the colleges will be of the order of 11,300 places.

Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in the light of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Budget Statement, he intends to keep open all Scottish teacher training colleges.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

My right hon. Friend has no plans at present to close any of the Scottish colleges of education.