HC Deb 08 February 1993 vol 218 cc481-2W
Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the total funding per full student equivalent at colleges of further education in each local education authority in Wales during each of the last three years; and what are the estimated totals for the next three years.

Sir Wyn Roberts

The annual total funding per full student equivalent by each local education authority in Wales is not held centrally. From 1 April 1993 the Further Education Funding Council for Wales will assume responsibility for funding the further education sector. The funding council has yet to announce its allocation to colleges for 1993–94.

Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the total amount of access fund money allocated to(a) further education within each local education authority in Wales during the last two years, (b) teacher training colleges, (c) other public sector higher education and (d) university colleges; and what was the proportion actually spent and the number of access fund applications in each instance.

Sir Wyn Roberts

The Universities Funding Council has been responsible for distributing access funds to the colleges of the university of Wales. In 1991–92 the Welsh Office made £620,000 in access funds available to the other further and higher education institutions in Wales. This was divided between the three groups eligible for assistance from the funds as follows:

  • Further education students—£209,634
  • Higher education students—£368,251
  • Postgraduates—£42,115

The allocations to institutions were made on the basis of student numbers. It is for institutions to decide on the distribution of the funds among eligible students. In 1991–92 a total of £651,221.11 was disbursed by institutions which included access funds carried over from the previous year.

A total of 3,932 students applied for assistance from the access funds in 1991–92. This represented less than 17 per cent. of students eligible to apply. Information on the use made by colleges of the £630,000 allocated in 1992–93 will be available later this year.

Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will issue guidelines to the institutes of higher education to provide continuity of accommodation for further education students who have commenced courses housed in higher education campuses; if he will place a copy of his guidance in the Library; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what proposals he has for transitional protection for further education students who have commenced courses traditionally located in institutes of higher education.

Sir Wyn Roberts

From 1 April 1993 responsibility for ensuring that further education facilities are available will transfer from the local education authorities to the Further Education Funding Council for Wales. The FEFCW is currently addressing the issue of transferring further education courses from certain higher education institutions to the further education sector.

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