§ 33. Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what study he has made of the statement made by the Textile Institute on 27 February, concerning the future prospects of the textile industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Farrasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish in the Official Report the conclusions he has drawn from the two reports of the Textile Institute, copies of which have been sent to him, on the need to maintain an annual output of 100 textile technologists, together with a corresponding number of technicians.
Numbers of first year students in universities and polytechnics: 1978–79 1979–80 1980–81 1981–82 1982–83* Thousands Universities, Great Britain Full-time 112.8 113.1 113.5 111.7 106.1 Part-time 9.2 9.8 10.3 12.2 — Polytechnics, England Advanced courses: Full time 47.8 49.4 51.4 59.5 59.5 Part-time 37.3 36.6 36.4 37.5 33.0 Non-advanced courses: Full-time 4.6 3.7 3.2 3.9 — Part-time 13.6 11.6 13.6 8.2 — * Provisional.
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the current level of awards available from public funds through local authorities, research councils and other sources for students studying for second or higher degrees; and what has been the total annual support from public funds for such students in the most recent year for which figures are available.
§ Mr. WaldegraveIn the current academic year awards to postgraduate students following courses leading to higher degrees provide for the payment of approved fees and the following rates of grant in respect of ordinary maintenance:
i. for students living away from home and attending an establishment
in London, £2,880 outside London, £2,335; ii. for students living in the parental home, £1,705.
Some postgraduate awards, mainly for courses which do not lead to higher degrees, are paid at undergraduate grant rates.
Awards for students following courses for a second first (undergraduate) degree are made at the discretion of the local education authorities but, where made, must also be
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§ Mr. WaldegraveI have read these reports with interest. As the Textile Institute is aware, the National Advisory Body for Local Authority Higher Education (NAB) is reviewing advanced course provision for textile technology in consultation with the interests concerned, and I am sure that it will wish to take account of these studies. Copies of the reports have, I understand, been sent to the NAB and the UGC. My right hon. Friend looks forward to receiving the NAB's recommendations in due course.