HC Deb 17 July 1984 vol 64 cc106-7W
35. Mr. Fisher

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans he has to increase the number of qualified school librarians.

Sir Keith Joseph

This is a matter for decision by individual LEAs and schools.

36. Mr. O'Brien

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress there has been on the implementation of local collaborative projects concerned with new technology.

Sir Keith Joseph

The local collaborative projects programme, run jointly by the Manpower Services Commission and the Education Departments, is designed to help employers to define and tackle their training and updating needs, in collaboration with training providers, including universities, polytechnics and colleges. It is intended that projects receiving support will tackle a wide range of problems, and proposals which address those relating to the introduction of new technology and the management of change are particularly encouraged. The programme was launched in April 1984 and a number of projects are under way or are being approved. These include projects in the fields of advanced manufacturing technology, computing and communication systems, information technology, and new technology in the clothing industry.