§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it his policy to ensure that the principles and good practice outlined in the all-Wales strategy for mentally handicapped people are fully implemented within special needs provisions within the further education sector in Wales.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesAn important contribution is made by further education in fulfilling the principles of the all-Wales mental handicap strategy. The Further Education Funding Council aims to ensure that the needs of students with a mental handicap are assessed and appropriate provision identified. The funding council is working to ensure the best possible response to students needs.
§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it his policy to grant increased funding to colleges in the further education sector in Wales for the running of special needs courses for students with learning difficulties.
§ Sir Wyn RobertsUntil 1 April 1993 responsibility for special needs courses in the further education sector in Wales rests with the local education authorities. From that date, responsibility will transfer to the Further Education Funding Council for Wales. My right hon. Friend, in his letter of guidance to the chairman of the funding council, asked that the council's decisions on the distribution of funds to the colleges should take account of the additional costs involved in making provision for students with learning difficulties.