§ Mr. McLeishTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many(a) pupils (b) teachers and (c) non-teaching staff are being considered for the first technology academy;
(2) if he will give the total estimated expenditure for technology academies in each of the years 1989–90 and 1990–91 for capital and current expenditure;
(3) if he will give the total estimated expenditure likely to be contributed from the private sector for setting up the first technology academy including (a) the amount of capital expenditure for the construction or refurbishment costs and (b) the organising revenue costs;
(4) when he will announce the location of the first technology academy in Scotland.
§ Mr. LangNo decisions have been made by the Glasgow Technology Academy Company regarding the 579W location or size of the first academy. It is therefore too early to give an indication of pupil and staff numbers or estimated expenditure. Trusthouse Forte have already announced its decision to contribute £1.5 million towards the cost of establishing a technology academy.
§ Mr. McLeishTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he has consulted(a) Glasgow district council, (b) Eastwood district council, (c) Strathclyde regional council and (d) Greater Glasgow health board about a site for a technology academy in Glasgow;
(2) if he will list the education authorities which have expressed an interest in hosting the first technology academy;
(3) if he will list the sites in Glasgow which have been consulted by his Department for the first technology academy.
§ Mr. LangThe identification of a site for a technology academy and any relevant consultation are matters for the Glasgow Technology Academy Company. Earlier this year my right hon. and learned Friend held discussions with Strathclyde regional council about the possibility of its participating in the establishment of an academy in Glasgow. Unfortunately the regional council was unable to pursue this proposal.
§ Mr. McLeishTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many technology academies he will establish in Scotland in the period 1989–90 to 1991–92.
§ Mr. LangA firm and generous offer of sponsorship has been made for the first technology academy. Progress with others will depend on the availability of further sponsorship.
§ Mr. McLeishTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if any meetings have taken place with the teaching unions and professional associations about technology academies;
(2) if he will list the organisations which have been consulted about technology academies.
§ Mr. LangA policy paper about the establishment of technology academies in Scotland was issued on 12 October 1988. A copy of this paper and a list of recipients has been placed in the Library.