§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the early intervention scheme providing for extra tuition for young children with literacy and numeracy difficulties; and how additional funding for this scheme will be allocated. [40253]
§ Mr. Wilson[holding answer 30 April 1998]My right hon. Friend announced on 30 April additional funding of £36 million to extend the Government's Early Intervention Programme.
The Government's contribution will double from £7 million per year to £14 million per year from April 1999 and the additional finance will permit the Programme to be extended from 3 years to 5 years.
I intend that all education authorities will benefit from these additional resources. I will consult with the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities over how the additional funding will be allocated.