HC Deb 28 July 1981 vol 9 cc417-8W
Sir William van Straubenzee

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a further statement about the proposed arrangements for the validation of sub-degree courses in agriculture.

Mr. Mark Carlisle

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I continue to share the desire of those concerned with arrangements for the validation of sub-degree courses in agriculture and related subjects that some rationalisation within the existing pattern of courses and awards should be secured quickly and therefore welcome the valuable efforts of the City and Guilds of London Institute to bring forward proposals which enjoy among those concerned the degree of support and commitment necessary for their success.

We believe that the suggestions made by the institute offer, with some clarification and modification, a useful basis for the development of a nationally recognised consultative group to promote and facilitate, within the existing pattern of courses and awards in this area and by the examining and validating bodies concerned, some co-ordination and rationalisation in a manner compatible with the development of provision at a similar level in other subject areas. We are therefore asking the institute to set in hand the arrangements for establishing in the near future a body of this kind, for a period of three years only subject to review. During this initial period it will be financed jointly by my Department and the City and Guilds of London Institute, subject to the approval of Parliament. But should the proposed group continue in existence beyond that period, it would be expected to do so on a self-financing basis.

Details of the administrative arrangements, the scope, function, objectives, membership and finance of the proposed group are set out in full in a memorandum circulated today to interested bodies by my Department, and the Welsh Office, a copy of which has been put in the Library.

We consider that a resolution of the particular needs of agriculture for a vertically integrated pattern of educational provision below degree level and a proper recognition of the roles and responsibilities of the validating bodies concerned can be combined appropriately and effectively only in this way, rather than by the introduction of a distinct or separate system of awards or by the concentration of all validation and award-making responsibilities for sub-degree courses in agriculture and related subjects in one single body.