§ Mrs. Renée Short asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) whether he has any plans to cut the funds payable for the polytechnics and local authority higher education colleges; what reduction in the teaching force this would entail; and if he will make a statement; (2) whether he has any plans to cut the funds payable for non—advanced further education in the coming financial year; what reduction in the teaching force this would entail; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Waldegrave: The Government's plans for spending by local authorities in 1982–83, which will be embodied in the forthcoming rate support grant settlement, have yet to be settled. They will, however, take into account the announced plans—Cmnd. 8175—for a reduction in provision for higher education, including polytechnics and maintained colleges, as well as the additional £60 million for England—announced by the Prime Minister on 27 July to allow for increased numbers of 16 to 19—year—olds to continue full—time education in school or college. The implications of the final plans for the teaching force will be for discussion with the local authority associations in due course.