§ Dr. Hampsonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many teacher training places there currently are in each different sector of higher education; and what are the latest estimated reductions until 1981.
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§ Mr. Gerry FowlerIn 1973 there were some 115,000 teacher training places outside the universities and some 5,000 in university departments of education Present plans assume capacities in 1981 of some 60,000 and some 5,000 places respectively. No useful estimates can be made of the amount of reduction year by year until 1981 because of the variety of factors involved.
§ Dr. Hampsonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what estimate was made in 1975 of the number of teacher training colleges which would have to close as a result of the contraction of teacher training capacity; how many have closed: and how many more it is now intended to close.
§ Mr. Gerry FowlerIt was stated by my right hon. Friend's predecessor on 20th March 1975—[Vol. 888, c. 471–2]—that the contraction to 60,000 places by 1981 would result in some 30 colleges having to give up initial teacher training. To date it has been decided that 18 colleges should do so. The future of one or two colleges is still under consideration, and further closures may be necessary as a result of the review of teacher supply and training now being carried out in consultation with the Advisory Committee.