Catholic Training Colleges

HC Deb 31 July 1974 vol 878 cc247-8W

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what meetings he is proposing to have, and with which representatives, of the Catholic Church, to discuss the future of Catholic training colleges.

Mr. Gerry Fowler

Since the publication of the White Paper "Education: A Framework for Expansion" (Cmnd 5174) Officials of my Department have had many discussions about the future development of the Catholic colleges of education with representatives of the Catholic education Council, with the religious orders providing colleges and with the colleges themselves. My right hon. Friend and I are currently considering what further discussions might be appropriate. We are determined to proceed by discussion and by agreement with the providing bodies, whose contribution to teacher education we welcome.