§ Mr. BowisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he intends to establish a further education council to prepare for the funding and guidance of further education colleges as they move to corporate status; when and how he intends to appoint the chief officers of such a council; and what timetable he proposes for its early operation.
§ Mr. Alan HowarthSubject to the passage of the Further and Higher Education Bill introduced on 4 November, my right hon. and learned Friend intends to establish the Further Education Funding Council as soon as possible. The Bill provides for the appointment of the chairman and the chief executive by my right hon. and learned Friend. The Department will be preparing the ground for the Council by collecting information it will need, and carrying out programmes to help ensure that the colleges are ready for their new role.