HC Deb 03 February 1977 vol 925 cc427-8W
Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what consultations had taken place with the educational authorities in the Isle of

information she has about the number of first degree graduates in the United Kingdom whose first job is in the following areas: (a) industry, (b) finance, (c) academia, (d) secondary teaching and (e) public in 1960, 1965, 1970 and 1975; and if he will publish any comparable information for the USA and Western Germany.

Mr. Oakes

Following are the statistics available for the number of first degree graduates from universities in Great Britain who are known to have entered certain types of first employment by the December after graduating in academic years 1961–62—earliest available years—1964–65, 1969–70 and 1974–75; these exclude graduates in medicine, dentistry and veterinary studies, except for the final column, records of whose destination is not available for the earlier years.

Wight prior to the announcement to cease initial teacher training at Portsmouth Polytechnic;

(2) whether she will reconsider her decision to phase out initial teacher training facilities at Portsmouth Polytechnic in view of its international reputation and lack of suitable alternatives in the catchment area.

Mr. Oakes

No decisions have yet been taken. As my right hon. Friend announced in her statement on 24th January—[Vol. 924, c. 962–84]—the proposals for individual institutions are to be the subject of consultations with the maintaining authorities. Any representations made by the Isle of Wight authority would also be taken into account before decisions were made.