asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will consider with local education authorities the establishment of an advisory body similar to the University Grants Committee but without its financial responsibilities, to oversee the future development of polytechnics and colleges of education.

The question whether some new arrangements should be devised to strengthen the planning and co-co-ordination of local authorities' higher education provision is currently under consideration among the authorities, and they are aware of my great interest in the subject.