§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions his Department has had with local education authorities in Wales about meeting the sharp increase in demand for degree and diploma courses within institutions under the control of local education authorities, as set out in paragraph 33 of Her Majesty's Inspectorate's expenditure policies report.
§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with local education authorities about the 15 to 20 per cent. increase in enrolments between 1979–80 and 1980–81 in degree and diploma courses indicated in paragraph 33 of Her Majesty's Inspectorate's expenditure policies report.
§ Mr. Michael RobertsNone. It is for local education authorities to plan the provision of courses in higher and further education. Paragraph 42 of the inspectors' report indicates that enrolments in higher education—except for teacher training—have generally been well maintained or have increased significantly. The Government's expenditure plans assume a significant tightening of staffing standards in the future, a reduction in unit costs and some rationalisation of provision.