§ Mr. M. MacPhersonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has for expanding urgently necessary technical education.
§ Mr. J. StuartThe primary responsibility for the provision of technical education rests with education authorities and other managers of further education establishments. Five regional advisory councils for technical education representative of educational and of industrial interests, both employers and employees, have been appointed to advise these authorities and managers on the development of technical education, and much work has been and is being done by these bodies in examining existing provision and present and future requirements for technical education.
The Scottish Education Department are associated with these councils, and keep in close touch with education authorities and other managers, and with industry, to encourage both the provision of necessary facilities and the fullest possible use by industry of the facilities provided.
Much new building for technical education has been in hand for some time, and a considerable amount of it has recently been completed. I shall do all I can to ensure that work on the remainder makes good progress.
As I have indicated in Circular 232, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member, the national interest demands the continued expansion of facilities for technical education, and buildings for this purpose are being given, in general, a priority equal to that given to essential schools.