§ Ms. ShortTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what specific financial incentives have been given to the Further Education Funding Council to increase participation by unemployed students in education courses; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FormanThe Government's expenditure plans for further education will allow for a 25 per cent. increase in student numbers, and hence a significant increase in participation, over the period 1993–94 to 1995–96. The funding for the Further Education Funding Council will allow colleges to continue the arrangements for fee remission for students such as those who are unemployed, which are currently operated by local education authorities. The council will shortly be issuing a consultative document on options for a funding method for 1994–95 onwards which will address funding issues related to widening access and meeting the needs of different client groups.