CHESTER TRAINING COLLEGE.

HC Deb 22 December 1932 vol 273 cc1244-5W

Mr. E. EVANS

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education the grounds on which it is proposed to close the Chester Training College?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM:

The Board of Education, after consultation with the Board of Supervision as representing the interests of the Church of England training colleges as a whole, have come to the conclusion that the required reduction of 10 per cent. in the number of students will be effected with less injury to the colleges by the temporary closure of three colleges, than by the imposition of a uniform 10 per cent. reduction over all the colleges in the group. The Board have received deputations from the three colleges, namely, Chester, Bristol (Fishponds), and Lincoln, which were recommended by the Board of Supervision for closure. As a result of representations then made, the colleges are being afforded a further opportunity of being heard by the Board of Supervision. Before arriving at a final decision, the Board of Education are awaiting the outcome of these interviews which are fixed for to-morrow.

Mr. SPENCER

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education for what reasons it has been decided by his Department to close the Chester Diocesan Training College at an early date?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM:

I would refer the hon. Member to the answers that I have given to-day to the hon. Members for Birkenhead, East (Mr. White) and the University of Wales (Mr. E. Evans), of which. I am sending him copies.

Mr. GOLDIE

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education on what grounds it is proposed to close the Chester Diocesan Training College for men teachers; whether the authorities of the college were consulted before the decision was arrived at; and whether, in view of the reports which the college has always received from inspectors and the fact that the closure will leave the northwestern counties without any similar institution, he will reconsider the decision?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

I would refer the hon. Member to the answers that I have given to-day to the hon. Members for Birkenhead, East (Mr. White) and the University of Wales (Mr. E. Evans), of which I am sending him copies.