§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many sandwich course students on business studies courses in Wales required training places during the 1976–77 session; and how many of these students obtained support for their training through the Training Services Agency's special measures grants.
§ Mr. OakesThis information is not collected by my Department. In 1976–576W 77, there were 308 students on sandwich courses in business studies in Wales.
§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she is satisfied with sandwich courses for Council for National Academic Awards degrees and Technician Education Council and Business Education Council higher level awards.
§ Mr. OakesI have every confidence in sandwich courses validated by the Council for National Academic Awards and in those validated or planned by the Business and Technician Education Councils.
§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she is satisfied with the temporary support given through the Training Services Agency Special Measures Grants to support the employment of sandwich course students.
§ Mr. OakesI am satisfied that these support arrangements, which are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment, have helped colleges to find suitable placements for sandwich course students at a time when there might otherwise have been serious difficulties.
§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are her long-term proposals for financial support to ensure the continuation and development of sandwich courses.
§ Mr. OakesThere has been a continued development of sandwich courses in recent years and I have no plans at present for changes in arrangements for their financial support.