§ Mr. Robert BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he proposes to take to up-date courses currently offered by colleges of further education and universities related to the tourist industry.
Mr. JacksonIt is for institutions of further and higher education, in consultation with accrediting bodies where appropriate, to determine the content of courses. One aim of the current reforms is to make the educational system at all levels more responsive to the needs of all sectors of the economy, including tourism.
Many colleges are working closely with the tourism industry, for example through advisory groups and industrial fellows, to help keep their courses up to date. This work is complemented by the Department's PICKUP (professional, industrial and commercial updating) programme.