§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) what consideration has been given to the allocation of funds to private institutions for the mentally handicapped under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992;
(2) if decisions regarding the distribution of funds for private institutions for the mentally handicapped under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 will he made by local or central authorities;
(3) what estimate he has made of the number of mentally handicapped students who are likely to qualify under section 4 of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992.
(4) what arrangements will be made to provide payment to private educational institutions under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992.
§ Mr. FormanThe Further and Higher Education Act 1992 provides for the further education funding councils to secure provision for students with learning difficulties in independent institutions where appropriate, and to meet any fees charged. Local education authorities continue to have discretion to arrange and fund such placements. In a circular dated 29 June, the further education funding council unit has set out an initial approach to placement arrangements. The circular seeks information on numbers of placements and the associated costs.