asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress has been made in the establishment of the Educational Disadvantage Unit in Manchester; and if he will make a statement.

Sir Alec Clegg has been appointed to be chairman of the governing body of the centre for information and advice on educational disadvantage and I hope shortly to publish the list of members. Preparations are being made for the first meeting of governors to take place next month. Meanwhile my Department has invited the Manchester Education Authority to provide accommodation for the proposed centre and the authority has indicated that it would be willing to do so. I hope to be able to make a fuller statement in the near future.