City Technology Colleges

HC Deb 11 May 1992 vol 207 cc34-5W

Mr. Pawsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans he has to reduce the amount of business funding for city technology colleges.

Mr. Forth

I have no such plans. Each city technology college represents a funding partnership between Government and private sector sponsors. Sponsors have already contributed some £20 million to the capital costs of CTCs, and are committed to contribute over £10 million more. My Department funds the running costs of CTCs on a basis comparable with that of other secondary schools.

Mr. Pawsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans he has to increase the number of city technology colleges.

Mr. Forth

Thirteen city technology colleges are now operating. A further college will open in Derby this September, and another in Bristol the following year. In accordance with our manifesto commitments, the Government will enable the creation of new types of grant-maintained and voluntary-aided schools which will embody the characteristics of CTCs.