§ Mr. Sedgemoreasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the number of first degree students in fine arts and graphics entering St. Martin's and Central schools of art in the last academic year before their merger and in the first academic year since the merger.
§ Mr. BrookeThe number of first degree students who commenced courses in fine arts and graphics in the 1983–84 academic year in each of the two colleges was as follows:
Number St. Martin's school of art: CNAA BA Fine Art 67 CNAA BA Graphic Design 43 Central school of art and design: CNAA BA Fine Art 35 CNAA BA Graphic Design 32 A formal merger between these two institutions has not yet taken place. Some rationalisation of degree courses took place in the 1984–85 academic year, statistics for which are not yet available.
§ Mr. Sedgemoreasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if he informed the Council for National Academic Awards in advance that his officials were having discussions on 26 November at St. Martin's college of art with external assessors whose appointment is ratified by the Council for National Academic Awards and with members of the Council for National Academic Awards panel;
(2) what was the purpose of discussions at St. Martin's college of art between his officials and external assessors and members of the Council for National Academic Awards panel;
(3) if he expects external assessors of art colleges and members of the Council for National Academic Awards panel to report direct to him on their assessment of the work being done in particular art colleges.
§ Mr. BrookeAn official of the Department, Mr. J. H. Thompson, visited St. Martin's school of art on 26 November by arrangement to observe the work of a validation panel which was meeting that day. With the22W agreement of the principal, he also spoke to members of the college who act as external examiners. The visit and the discussion were in connection with the work of the Lindop committee of inquiry into academic validation in the public sector. Mr. Thompson is the Department's assessor to the committee and his status on the occasion of this visit was made plain to all who spoke to him.
The visit was one of a number being undertaken by all members of the committee to institutions. All visits have the same general purpose. The Council for National Academic Awards, which is co-operating fully with the Lindop committee, is aware that these visits are taking place. My right hon. Friend does not expect external assessors to report to him on their assessments.