§ Mr. Evennettasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the future role he envisages for polytechnics.
§ Sir Keith JosephI do not at present envisage any change in the general role of the polytechnics as major providers of higher education with particular strengths in vocational and technical subjects, and maintained or assisted by local education authorities. I look to the national advisory body (NAB) for advice on developments which may influence this general role, as well as on detailed matters affecting provision at individual institutions.