HC Deb 31 July 1981 vol 9 c566W
Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what information he has as to how many students in higher and advanced further education came from occupational classes I and II; and what proportion this represents;

(2) to what extent the birth rate for occupational classes I and II for the period 1961 to 1981, in comparison with other occupational classes, is expected to influence the demand for university and advanced further education places in the next 25 years;

(3) if he will seek to change the basis of the existing student awards system so as to encourage a greater number of students from those occupational classes which are at present under-represented in universities.

Mr. John Patten

The Registrar General's Office, Belfast, does not compile statistics of birth rates by occupational class. Therefore, the numbers of students in higher and advanced further education from particular classes cannot be deduced. Her Majesty's Government have no plans to change the system of student awards in order to favour particular social classes.

Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) when he now expects to publish the results of the examination of higher and advanced further education by the Chilver committee;

(2) whether he envisages any changes to the recommendations of the interim report on teacher training colleges, as a result of the fuller consideration now being given to the future of higher and advanced further education by the Chilver committee;

(3) whether any time will be allowed to educational, industrial, agricultural and commercial interests for discussion and comment on the Chilver report on higher and advanced further education before decisions are made.

Mr. John Patten

1. I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Londonderry (Mr. Ross) on 17 June 1981.

2. No.

3. The precise form of consultation on the final report of Sir Henry Chilver's higher education review group has yet to be decided but, in accordance with the usual practice, opportunity will be afforded all interested parties to present their views.—[Vol. 6, c. 396.]