§ Ms. RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his policy regarding the year-on-year revenue funding of city technology colleges, having regard to future fluctuations in spending by local education authorities of maintained schools.
§ Mrs. RumboldDecisions on public expenditure on the revenue funding of city technology colleges will take into account funding levels on LEA-maintained schools in similar areas.
§ Mr. Anthony CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what factors he will take into account in deciding proposals published by local education authorities to close schools in order that city technology colleges or city colleges for the technology of the arts might be established in their place.
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§ Mr. Kenneth BakerAll proposals which fall to me to be decided under the provisions of section 12 of the Education Act 1980 are treated strictly on their merits and in the light of the individual circumstances. In reaching my decision I weigh carefully the case presented by the local education authority and the comments made by any objectors to the proposals. I also take careful account of my published education policies. My Department has given detailed guidance to local education authorities in circular 3/87 on some general considerations against which I judge rationalisation proposals.
If section 12 proposals should be put to me which included as an objective making premises available to the promoters of a city technology college (CTC) or a city college for the technology of the arts (CCTA), I would consider them against the same criteria. In addition I would need to satisfy myself that the plans formulated by the promoters were sufficiently clear, considered and developed; that they fitted the criteria of the CTC programme; and that agreements in principle had been reached, subject to my approval of the section 12 proposals, on the terms of a proposed funding agreement with the promoters. I should need to be satisfied that the necessary agreement in principle had been reached between those persons and the local education authority; and that sufficient schools would continue to be available for pupils in the area of the authority, taking account, where appropriate, of the facilities to be provided by the CTC or CCTA. I should also need to satisfy myself that full details of the plans had been made available to all those with an interest in the matter at the appropriate time during the consultation process, in line with the guidance set out in circular 3/87.