§ Mr. Hancockasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many representations he has received concerning the future of initial teacher training centres.
§ Sir Keith JosephThis year I have received some 430 representations concerning the future of initial teacher training institutions.
§ Mr. Hancockasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the future of initial teacher training (a) in England and (b) at Portsmouth polytechnic.
§ Sir Keith JosephI am considering advice from the national advisory body for public sector higher education on the allocation of 1986 intakes to courses of initial teacher training in the public sector, including those at Portsmouth polytechnic. At my request the NAB is giving further consideration to the allocation of public sector intakes for 1987–89. The University Grants Committee has allocated intakes to courses of initial teacher training at university departments of education for 1986 and will be considering shortly allocations for 1987–89.