§ Mr. Patrick ThompsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he intends to issue model articles of government for the polytechnics and colleges of higher education; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth BakerI have issued model articles of government for the polytechnics and colleges which will be run by higher education corporations (HECs) from 1 April 1989. The HECs are asked to submit draft articles, based on the model, by 31 December 1988, so that the articles can be approved before 1 April 1989. I shall expect the other institutions coming into the PCFC funding sector to align their articles of government with this model on broadly the same timetable. The Department consulted the institutions concerned and a number of interested bodies and I have taken account of their comments in drawing up the model.
These newly incorporated institutions have an important part to play in the delivery of higher education. Their effective management and government is vital; their articles of government will underpin this.