HC Deb 21 March 1986 vol 94 cc307-8W
Mr. Wareing

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he intends to meet the directors of the polytechnics in England and Wales to discuss the recommendations of the National Advisory Body's 1987–88 planning exercise.

Mr. Walden

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State would carefully consider a request for such a meeting were one to be made. However, recommendations arising from the National Advisory Body's 1987–88 planning exercise will not be adopted by the NAB committee nor submitted to my right hon. Friend until December 1986.

Mr. Evans

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will make a statement on the National Advisory Body's 1987–88 planning exercise.

Mr. Walden

Preliminary plans for the disposition of academic provision in the public sector of higher education in 1987–88 are being drawn up by the NAB secretariat and will be sent to institutions for consultation on 4 April 1986. In the light of the comments received from institutions, and of the resources available for public sector higher education in 1987–88, which will not be announced until the autumn, the National Advisory Body will make final recommendations to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State about student numbers in the public sector, and the associated distribution of the advanced further education capped pool and voluntary sector quantum, in December 1986.