§ Mr. Andrew MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans he has to involve the Audit Commission in the implementation of his proposals for the development and reorganisation of further and higher education.
§ Mr. Alan HowarthThe Audit Commission and Her Majesty's inspectorate of schools had already set in hand plans for a study of aspects of education provision for young people aged between 16 and 19, before my right hon. and learned Friend made his announcement about the reorganisation of further education. We welcome co-operation of this sort. As set out in "Education and Training for the 21st Century" (Cm. 1536 Volume II), the Further Education Council will be required to draw up financial memoranda with the colleges, outlining the general conditions under which funding is provided to them, including the audit arrangements.