§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland under what circumstances regional councils will be able to provide vocational courses, under the Government's further education proposals.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Bill provides for the Secretary of State to have a duty to secure in Scotland adequate and efficient provision of further education. Further education as defined in clause 6 of the Bill includes a programme of learning which prepares a person for a vocational qualification. Clause 2 removes from education authorities the duty of providing for their areas further education within the meaning of the Bill. It gives education authorities power to provide such further education. It will be for education authorities to determine in what circumstances they exercise that power, including the power to provide courses which prepare a person for a vocational qualification.