§ Mr. Hoosonasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his policy for the management and funding of local authority higher education in Wales.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsWith the agreement of the local authorities in Wales and after consultation with other interested parties I have decided to establish a new advisory body in Wales for the management of local authority higher education. The advice this body will provide will assist me in the performance of my statutory duties in relation to the apportionment of the advanced further education pool, the approval of advanced courses and teacher training and such other aspects of higher education in Wales outside the universities as may be decided.
The advisory body will comprise a committee supported by a board and appropriate advisory panels. The secretariat will be provided jointly by the Welsh Office and the local authorities. My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State, the Member for Cardiff, North-West (Mr. Roberts) will chair the committee, which will otherwise consist of representatives of the local authorities.
The terms of reference of both the committee and the board are as follows. I hope that the committee will meet next month and that the board will begin its work shortly afterwards.
Terms of Reference of Committee
1. To advise the Secretary of State for Wales on the appropriate use of his power relating to the apportionment of the advanced further education pool, advanced course approval, teacher training and such other aspects of higher education in Wales outside the universities as he may decide.
2. To monitor the implementation by local education authorities and institutions of dispositions made by the Secretary of State in the light of this advice.
3. To ensure that effective liaison is established with the university and voluntary sectors of higher education, with appropriate validating and professional bodies, and with representatives of industry and commerce.
4. To seek effective liaison with the work of the National Advisory Body for Local Authority Higher Education in England.
Terms of reference of Board
1. To receive instructions from and make recommendations to the Committee in order to achieve the Committee's Terms of Reference.
2. In so doing the Board will establish working panels as the Committee judges necessary to assist with aspects of this task.