§ Dr. Godmanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent representations he has received concerning the future of the colleges of education; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Allan StewartI refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley (Mr. Foulkes) on 27 March at columns591–93. Since then a further 56 letters have been received from organisations and 19 from individuals about the future of the colleges of education. There have also been more than 300 postcards signed by staff or students at the colleges of education, and petitions from the National Union of Students and from students at Dunfermline college of physical education. In the whole period since publication of the report of the Scottish Tertiary Education Advisory Council last December, 23 hon. Members have made representations on this topic. My right hon. and learned Friend hopes to make a statement shortly.