§ Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Education what action has been taken pursuant to the White Paper on Technical Education published in January, 1961.
§ Sir D. EcclesThe White Paper proposals called for action by local education authorities, technical colleges, employers and examining bodies. Already the whole pattern of part-time courses in engineering has been approved. Most of the old preparatory courses for 15-year olds have been discontinued and replaced by a new general engineering course. This course and an important new engineering technician course started last autumn. Agreement has been reached on the common Ordinary National Certificate and Diploma courses in engineering which win form a basis for later specialisation, for example in mechanical, electrical, chemical or aeronautical engineering. This is a great step forward which will benefit the largest single group of day release students. Discussions are going on about possible new courses in mining, textiles and applied science.