asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many places are expected to be made available in technical colleges in Scotland by 1970; and how this figure compares with the number available now and in 1951.

In 1951–52 there were 9,878 full-time and 19,910 part-time day students attending colleges of further education. In 1962–63 the corresponding figures were 16,274 and 45,941.

Present plans are on the basis that accommodation will be required for about double the latter figures by the early 1970's.

I thank my noble Friend for that very good reply. Do the figures contained in the reply include Strathclyde University? In view of its new status, may we assume that additional places will be made available to keep to the figures which my noble Friend has just given?

Strathclyde University is separately considered. I have said that at present the value of work under construction is £14·7 million. Rather more than this amount is planned for the next few years. This should take full account of the numbers needed up to 1970, after which further provision will be needed.

What increase has there been in the number of students enjoying day-release facilities in Scotland during the same period? Is the noble Lady satisfied with the increase?

I am never satisfied with the increase. I have given the figures of part-time day students, but I think that they are increasing fairly satisfactorily.

Can the noble Lady say that at the present moment there is no shortage of places in technical education in Scotland? Can she give any reason at all why there has been such a constant delay over the provision of the technical colleges which were announced more than 10 years ago?

As far as I am aware, there is no shortage of places in technical colleges. The delays, happily, do not seem to have an effect on the accommodation available.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the percentage increase in full-time students at technical colleges in Scotland since 1959.

Between session 1958–59 and session 1962–63 the number of full-time students in colleges of further education increased by 34·s8 per cent.

May I again congratulate my noble Friend on the good advertisement she has put forward that this number of students has been reached? As I believe that other hon. Members feel that the supply may be running out, could my noble Friend give us some assurance that the curricula of the schools are so geared as to increase the number of those who will be able to fill places at these colleges?

There was a Question on the Order Paper about the curricula in the schools. Several syllabuses are being revised to take account of these matters.

Could the noble Lady give us a more realistic picture of what is happening, instead of giving us a percentage? Will she give us the actual figures for the two years?

In 1962–63 the total of full-time students was 16,274.