§ Mr. BowisTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the procedure by which colleges of further and higher education should in future apply for European social fund grants once these cease to come through local education authorities; and if she will make it her policy that existing ESF funded courses will continue to be so funded.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythLocal authorities have offered to continue to handle applications for European social fund grants for courses at colleges of further education for the whole of 1993. Arrangements for applications thereafter will depend upon the results of the forthcoming Community-level review of the EC structural funds, which are due to take effect from January 1994 onwards. The Government will consult closely with all concerned as to arrangements to apply then.