HC Deb 10 June 1974 vol 874 c464W
Mr. Bates

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he intends to permit voluntary colleges of education to offer courses other than for the training of teachers; and whether he will make a statement about the future role of colleges of education outside the local authority structure.

Mr. Gerry Fowler

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to a Question by the Member for Sheffield, Heeley (Mr. Hooley) on 2nd April.—[Vol. 871, c. 1068-9]. Many voluntary colleges of education are eager to participate in the future development of general higher and further education. The Government will welcome such developments in appropriate circumstances and are hopeful that it will be possible to overcome the problems of organisation and finance referred to in paragraph 155 of the White Paper "Education: A Framework for Expansion" (Cmnd. 5174).