§ Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) whether he will make a statement on his policy towards the 30 short-term residential colleges of adult education in general and Attingham College, Shrewsbury, in particular;
(2) what consideration he has given to the future of Attingham Adult College, Shrewsbury; what are the general finances of the college; and what changes have been made in grants and fees for the years 1974–75 and 1975–76;
(3) when it is his intention to announce his policy on short-term residential colleges for adult education, with special reference to those colleges which are liable to cease operations through reductions of grants:
(4) whether he is satisfied that the administrative economies made at Attingham College, Shrewsbury, are adequate; and whether he intends to advise the college on any further economies they can and should make.
§ Mr. MulleyMost of these colleges, whose work I value, are maintained or assisted by local education authorities which are responsible for deciding their future. I do not grant-aid those colleges which are independent, and cannot consider doing so at the present time.
As I do not grant-aid Attingham College, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on its finances or administrative arrangements but since 1973 my Department, through its assistance of Birmingham University's extra mural department, has contributed indirectly to the college's resources.