§ 3. Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the total income last year to local authorities in England and Wales from fees charged in further education establishments for vocational and non-vocational courses, respectively; and what is the estimated percentage increase in charges for non-vocational courses 1536 necessary to achieve the savings of £5 million a year envisaged in the statement, "New Policies for Public Spending".
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeSeparate figures are not available. Total fee income was about £15 million. Local authorities decide which fees shall be increased.
§ Mr. SpearingIn view of that reply, would not the hon. Gentleman agree that it is unusual that a Government should state that their policies are fully considered when it is clear that they are not aware of the effects of this policy statement?
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeNo, Sir. These are essentially, in detail, matters for decision by local education authorities. Of course, the background to the request by the Government was that gross expenditure in this field is running at about £250 million.