§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Paymaster General if he will make a statement on the progress of the technical and vocational education initiative and on its cost to local authorities.
§ Mr. TrippierThe initiative is now in its third year. In 1983, 14 local education authorities in England and Wales mounted the first TVEI projects, involving 144 schools and colleges. In 1984 the Government asked the Manpower Services Commission to extend the initiative and there are currently 74 projects in England, Scotland and Wales with 500 schools and colleges participating. Projects have proved to be popular and many have been over-subscribed. A further 28 proposals are currently being considered for a 1986 start.
All projects starting in 1984 and 1985 and due to commence in 1986 are funded up to a ceiling of £2 million over five academic years by the Manpower Services Commission. The provision of any additional funding for projects is a matter for the individual authority.