§ 24. Mr. Terry Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the future development of the PICKUP scheme.
§ 28. Mr. Lofthouseasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has any proposals for the adaptation of the PICKUP scheme.
§ Mr. BrookeThe general aim for the future of PICKUP will continue to be to improve the quantity and quality of provision locally and nationally, so that the increasing need for updating and post-experience education is met. A recently produced handbook will give guidance on arranging updating activity and the regional development agents will be able to supplement this. Particular attention is being given to the development of the marketing and market research skills required by the staff of institutions. An electronic directory of short courses will be operational in September. A programme of local collaborative projects has been launched jointly by the Manpower Services Commission and the Education Departments. Some projects are already under way and more are being approved. Education support grants will make pump-priming resources available to local education authorities who wish to expand their PICKUP provision.