§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what action he is taking to assist Bradford and Ilkley community college secure additional accommodation following the withdrawal of the college from the Alexandra hotel; and if he will make extra funds immediately available to the college to secure additional accommodation for lectures and students;
(2) what regulations exist governing the minimum standards of teaching accommodation at colleges; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what reports he has received from problems caused by a shortage of teaching accommodation at the Bradford campus of Bradford and Ilkley community college; if he will arrange for an official inspection immediately of the teaching facilities at the Bradford campus; if he will make a statement;
(4) what representations he has received from students from the Bradford campus of Bradford and Ilkley community college about the lack of lecture rooms and seating; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. JacksonMy right hon. Friend has not received any reports or representations this year about the teaching accommodation at the Bradford campus of the Bradford and Ilkley community college. However, the Department has received a bid from the Bradford education authority for a major building project, to start in 1990, to replace the Alexandra hotel building. The bid will be considered on its merits along with those from other education authorities, and allocations will be announced in December.
There are no regulations regarding minimum standards of teaching accommodation for further and higher education (FHE) colleges. However, the Department publishes advice about the capacity of FHE institutions; such advice can be found in design notes 33, 37, 44 and 45. I am sending the hon. Member copies of all these publications.
84WHer Majesty's inspectorate make regular visits to FHE colleges which include assessments of the adequacy and sufficiency of teaching and other accommodation.