§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has yet come to a conclusion about the recommendations of the Report of the Joint Advisory Committee on Agricultural Education; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MulleyThe report of the committee chaired by Professor J. P. Hudson contains a most valuable comprehensive review of the present provision and organisation of agricultural education mainly, though not wholly, at craft level. It has been the occasion for widespread consultation and has been generally welcomed by the educational and industrial interests concerned. I accept the committee's arguments for a single national validating and examining agency, but after careful consideration I have concluded that it would not be appropriate to establish an autonomous body, as envisaged by the committee. Rather, I would look to the organisation of a nationally recognised scheme of certification in close relationship with existing validating systems and, as with similar moves in the field of art and design education, I propose that such a development be considered in consultation with bodies such as the Technician Education Council and the Business Education Council. The implications for Scotland have still to be considered by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.