THE Education Secretary has backed calls for a new college in Glasgow to be named after housing, and equality campaigner Mary Barbour.

The planned merger of Stow, John Wheatley and North Glasgow colleges into a single institution means a new name has to be chosen.

Michael Russell was quizzed by Glasgow MSPs in the Scottish Parliament about the costs, savings and implications for student places as a result of the mergers.

During the questions he was asked by Shettleston SNP MSP John Mason if, to indicate the merger was not a take over by one college, that the merged colleges should have a new name.

Mr Russell agreed and raised the campaign to honour Mary Barbour (1875-1958), Glasgow's first woman councillor.

Mr Russell said: "I would encourage the colleges to think constructively and to consider historical figures, not purely functional names.

"I note there has been pressure for Mary Barbour, from the Labour and trade union movement.

"That strikes me as very positive."

Mr Russell also approved the naming of another merged college in the city.

Langside, Cardonald and Anniesland colleges will merge on August 1 and be renamed Glasgow Clyde College.

Susan Walsh, principal designate of the new, merged college, said: "The name is incredibly important and ours was picked by the students."

Mr Russell was challenged by Glasgow Labour MSPs on the impact on further education in the city of the mergers.

Drew Smith, Glasgow MSP, asked how many extra student places would be created as a result of the mergers.

Mr Russell said that was a matter for the colleges and the regional board and for the funding council to discuss.

Mr Smith said: "The SNP's attacks on college budgets have been condemned by Glasgow's lecturers and students alike but we now also know that Michael Russell's flagship mergers programme will result in no extra college places in Glasgow.

"At a time of high youth employment, the SNP's lack of commitment to college places is totally wrong-headed

Particia Ferguson, MSP for Maryhill and Springburn asked what the costs were and how much the mergers would save.

Mr Russell said the mergers would generate "efficiencies" of £50m by 2014/15

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