§ Mr. Lewis Stevensasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, in the light of the recent consultations, he has decided on the future constitution and terms of reference of the national advisory body for local authority higher education; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Keith JosephI was pleased that the results of our consultations have indicated general endorsement of the Government's belief that reconstitution of the NAB on broadly the same basis as at present represented the best approach for the future planning of public sector higher education in England. I have today written to the local authority associations and to the Association of Voluntary Colleges to let them know that I intend to establish the national advisory body for public sector higher education with effect from 1 February 1985 with terms of reference substantially the same as those set out in the consultative document of 13 April.
I was, however, impressed by the strength of the case, made by a number of those we consulted, for increasing representation on the NAB board so as to allow additional membership from those able to articulate clearly the views and needs of industrial and commercial employers and the professions. I therefore intend to appoint two additional members to the NAB board.. to increase the representation of these important interests