§ 11. Mr. Huw Edwards (Monmouth)What proposals he has to review the funding of students who attend further education establishments in England but reside in Wales. [40043]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education and Employment (Dr. Kim Howells)My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no such plans.
§ Mr. EdwardsMay I convey to my hon. Friend the concern felt in further education colleges about funding for students who come from across the border? The Royal Forest of Dean college is close to my constituency, and the principal is concerned that she is not able to advertise her courses in Monmouth. If young people are to take full advantage of the Government's commitment to lifelong learning, they need full access to information about all courses in local colleges, be they in England or in Wales.
§ Mr. John Bercow (Buckingham)That was off message.
§ Dr. HowellsNot at all; my hon. Friend is not off message. If a student from Wales wants to study in England, the English Further Education Funding Council will fund that student. It does not have a duty to do so, but it is a matter of policy that it always does. There is no prohibition on advertising by English further education colleges in Wales, especially ones that traditionally have cross-border catchment areas, as does the Royal Forest of Dean college. If my hon. Friend has evidence that the principal of that college has been denied the opportunity to advertise its attractions in and around Monmouth, I shall certainly look into the matter and write to him.