HC Deb 21 December 1981 vol 15 cc337-8W
Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what discussions he has had about the future of the buildings of the former Hamilton college of education; and if he will made a statement;

(2) what discussions he has had regarding the future of hostel accommodation in the West of Scotland for students at colleges of technology.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

My Department have had exploratory discussions with Jordanhill college of education and with officials of Strathclyde regional council, and will shortly be meeting Hamilton district council. Since the buildings will not be required for teaching training after Summer of 1982, Jordanhill college of education has advertised them for sale. I should be glad to arrange discussions with any body which may be interested in acquiring the hostel accommodation or any other part of the buildings.

Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how he proposes to ensure the continuation of in-service teacher training in Lanarkshire after June 1981.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

We envisage that in-service training will be provided by Jordanhill college of education operating through one main out-station, and one or more subsidiary out-stations in Lanarkshire. Details are subject to further discussion with Jordanhill college and with the education authority.

Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what discussions took place about the urgent inquiry set up by the Under-Secretary of State in December 1980 into a future use for the buildings of Hamilton and Callender Park colleges of education;

(2) what was the outcome of the urgent inquiry set up by the Under-Secretary of State on 9 December 1980 into possibly using the buildings of Hamilton college of education and Callender Park for training technicians for the electronics and North Sea oil industry; and if the result was made public.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

The training needs of the oil-related and electronics industries were discussed with the Government Departments and industries concerned. We concluded that these needs could best be met by building upon facilities and expertise which were already directed to the needs of the industries in question rather than by creating new centres. No public announcement was made.