asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, in the absence of costings and a feasibility study, upon what criteria his proposals in the consultative document on the future of teacher training colleges in Scotland are based.

The proposals take account among other things of the reduced need for teachers, the development of in-service training, the educational effectiveness of the colleges of education and the need to run them economically.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he now expects to make a statement of his conclusions on the future of the teacher training colleges in Scotland.

I have nothing to add to the answer given on 23rd March to Questions by the hon. Members for Dunbartonshire, East (Mrs. Bain), Edinburgh, North (Mr. Fletcher), Edinburgh, Pentlands (Mr. Rifkind) and Edinburgh, West (Lord James Douglas-Hamilton).—[Vol. 928, c. 1277–78.]

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, before issuing the consultative document on teacher training colleges in Scotland, he considered the proposals of the Educational Institute of Scotland that the colleges should not be closed or merged, but that the intake to all of them should be cut back, with slightly heavier cuts being borne by the larger colleges.

I am not aware of any such proposals, but I am considering the comments made by the Educational Institute of Scotland on the consultative document.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he considered any alternative reorganisation for teacher training colleges in Scotland before issuing the consultative document; if so, what other possibilities he considered; and if he will make a statement;(2) if he considered closing or merging any colleges of education in Scotland other than the four mentioned in the consultative document; what were his reasons for choosing the four colleges concerned; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend considered a number of possibilities. The reasons for his proposals are set out in the consultative paper.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultations he will have on possible and viable diversification within the Scottish colleges of education.

I am considering various suggestions for diversification of the range of courses in colleges of education put forward in response to my right hon. Friend's consultative paper of 17th January.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the publication of the document "Teacher Training from 1977 Onwards", he is still considering the option of leaving all 10 Scottish colleges of education open.

All possible options are being considered.