HC Deb 26 January 1987 vol 109 cc11-2W
Mr. Gould

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science who organised the meeting on city technology colleges attended by Mr. Hedger from his Department in York on 12 December; what was the cost to Government funds of this meeting; what other meetings of a similar type have been attended by his officials; and if he will list the organisers, locations and cost to Her Majesty's Government in each case.

Mrs. Rumbold

The meeting was organised by my hon. Friend the Member for York (Mr. Gregory). It was chaired by a member of the York chamber of trade and commerce and its purpose was to give parents and members of the local business community the opportunity to hear further details of my proposals for city technology colleges. The marginal cost to the Department's Vote was £138.15 for travel and other expenses. Three meetings with a similar purpose have been attended by officials of the Department in Birmingham, Norwich and Coventry. Each of them was organised by a local chamber of commerce. The marginal costs to the Department were £49.65, £49.05 and £41.25 respectively. These figures do not include the cost of official time, since the visits formed part of the normal work of the Department.

Mr. Tony Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what recent discussions he has had concerning potential locations of the city technology college originally proposed for Moss Side, Manchester; what alternative locations were discussed; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Rumbold

My right hon. Friend has considered a number of issues relating to the proposed city technology college in Manchester, including its location. It would be inappropriate to reveal the details of these discussions; or to make a statement until further progress has been made.

Mr. Tony Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he proposes to discuss the location of the city technology college in the Manchester area with Trafford district council.

Mrs. Rumbold

Neither I nor my right hon. Friend have at present plans to do so, but I am very willing to consider any suggestions which the district council may wish to make.