HC Deb 21 March 1994 vol 240 c58W
Mr. Bryan Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what was the total amount spent in current prices on discretionary awards by local authorities in the last three academic years for which figures are available.

Mr. Boswell

Expenditure on discretionary awards by local authorities in England and Wales in 1992–93 constant prices was £231.1 million in 1990–91, £248.9 million in 1991–92 and £238.1 million—provisional—in 1992–93.

Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what additional help he is proposing to provide to local education authorities to assit them in their role of providing discretionary student awards.

Mr. Boswell

The provision of discretionary awards is a matter for local education authorities. A national survey of LEA discretionary awards—supported by the Department—is in progress. My right hon. Friend and I will wish to consider carefully the findings of the survey once they are available.