HC Deb 12 November 1982 vol 31 cc271-2W
Sir William van Straubenzee

asked the Prime Minister whether she is satisfied with the existing arrangements for technical and vocational education for young people; and if she will make a statement.

The Prime Minister

Growing concern about existing arrangements has been expressed over many years, not least by the National Economic Development Council. I have asked the chairman of the Manpower Services Commission, together with my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Education and Science, for Employment and for Wales, to develop a pilot scheme to start by September 1983, for new institutional arrangements for technical and vocational education for 14 to 18-year-olds, within existing financial resources, and, where possible, in association with local education authorities.