HC Deb 22 May 1985 vol 79 cc428-9W
Mr. Best

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about the amount of expenditure and the activities to be supported through education support grants in the financial year 1986–87.

Mr. John Stradling Thomas

Subject to Parliament's approval of regulations which will amend the Education Support Grant Regulations 1984 it is intended that expenditure to be supported by education support grant in 1986–87 will amount to £2.61 million in that year. It is proposed that £1.35 million of this total of planned expenditure will be accounted for by continuing expenditure arising from projects first approved in 1985–86. Roughly £1.26 million will be available to support expenditure on new activities and on the extension of existing ones. Grant will be paid at the rate of 70 per cent. of the amount of expenditure approved for support.

The following table shows the new and extended activities, the amount of expenditure for each, a provisional assessment of the number of LEAs likely to be supported and the length of support. The precise division of the £1.26 million available and its distribution among authorities will not be settled until applications have been received and considered.

Category New expenditure envisaged to be supported through ESGs in FY 1986–87 (cash) £ million Provisional assessment of number of LEAs to be supported Likely length of support
I. The teaching of science and technology as part of primary education 0.07 One Three years
II. The provision of retraining and updating courses directed towards the needs of industry and commerce (PICKUP) 0.13 All Up to two years
III. The development of the use of information technology at further education establishments, by providing equipment, preparing or providing course material and computer software, and training teachers employed at such establishments 0.69 All One year in the first instance with a possible extension up to a further four years
IV. The planning, development and co-ordination of provision to meet the educational needs, including the need for guidance, of those who are unemployed (excluding those currently receiving full time education) 0.05 All Two years with a possible extension for a further year
V. The provision of data processing equipment, accessories and software for use in the management of further education establishments 0.07 All or most Two to three years
VI. The development, provision and appraisal of a course of initial training for school governors 0.01 One Two years
VII. The provision of computerised learning aids at further education establishments for use by students with special educational needs 0.08 All Two years
VIII. The strengthening of college-employer links to improve the quality and relevance of NAFE provision 0.04 All One to two years
IX. Action within the education services to combat the misuse of drugs 0.12 All One year (with a possible extension for a further year)

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