asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what advice is available to him in connection with the governmental contribution to higher educational establishments outside the university system and to further educational establishments comparable with that provided to him by the University Grants Committee in connection with the university sector.

The great majority of higher and further education establishments outside the university system are administered by local education authorities; and both the financial provision for such establishments and general questions of policy and planning are matters for regular discussion and consultation with the associations of local authorities. In the case of those few institutions which receive grant direct from the Department, discussions are held and budgets are settled directly with the colleges themselves. Advice on educational matters in all institutions outside the universities is available to me from Her Majesty's Inspectors.