§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Education how many applications he has received from businesses willing to participate in his schools technology initiative.
§ Mr. Robin SquireSchools wishing to become technology colleges under the programe which the Government announced on 27 September will prepare a development plan backed by private sector sponsors. It is not for sponsors to apply direct to the Department for Education. Over 100 schools have already expressed interest in becoming technology colleges. Many of these have identified business sponsors and have begun to prepare their development plans. My right hon. Friend expects to announce in the new year the names of the first group of schools which will begin operating as technology colleges in September 1994.