HC Deb 07 December 1982 vol 33 cc483-4W
36. Mr. Haselhurst

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, further to the reply of the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Wokingham (Sir W. van Straubenzee) on 12 November, Official Report, c. 269, what action has been taken by his Department to further the technical education initiative.

Sir Keith Joseph

With my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Wales and the chairman of the Manpower Services Commission, I met representatives of the local authority associations on 17 November in order to discuss with them how local education authorities could work with the commission to implement the technical and vocational education initiative. The Department has invited the teacher associations to early meetings, and is in contact with other education interests. The Department is working in close consultation with MSC and the Department of Employment on the development of the scheme, including the establishment and composition of the proposed national steering group, which will agree criteria for the submission of bids on projects and oversee progress.

38. Mr. Madel

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he expects to meet local authorities to discuss Her Majesty's Government's new initiative on technical education and training; and if he will make a statement.

Sir Keith Joseph

With my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Wales and the chairman of the Manpower Services Commission, I discussed the technical and vocational education initiative with representatives of the local authority associations on 17 November. The involvement of all parts of the education service in the development and implementation of this initiative will be vital in ensuring that it operates to strengthen and extend the work already being done in some schools and local education authorities to develop a more practical slant in the education of secondary school pupils. I am sure that local education authorities will welcome the opportunity of working with the commission and with local industry and commerce towards the common objective of a better preparation of all our young people for adult and working life.