§ 37. Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is satisfied with the opportunities in the United Kingdom for students wishing to pursue courses related to a career in the textile industry.
§ Mr. William SheltonNationally there has been a contraction of courses in certain aspects of textile education, reflecting declining recruitment to and restructuring of the textile industry. Within that overall picture, however, there are examples of support being a little stronger in some areas. In general, there is a need for the local education authorities, regional advisory councils and establishments of further and higher education concerned with textile education and training, in consultation with the industry, to work towards the effective rationalisation of course provision based on an assessment of future industrial needs and employment opportunities.
The newly established national advisory body for local authority higher education in England offers the potential for more effective management of advanced courses in this and other areas of provision.