§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science for what reasons he has not approved the merger of the South West London college and Thames polytechnic.
§ Mr. Alan HowarthMy right hon. and learned Friend has consulted South West London college and other institutions about advice from the Polytechnics and Colleges Funding Council that student preferences should be taken into account in determining the future location of work at the college. He hopes to make a final decision about the future of the college shortly.