HC Deb 12 April 1994 vol 241 cc111-2W
Mr. Bryan Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what will be the role, remit, funding and governance of the new development agency for further education; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Boswell

The Government have accepted the broad thrust of recommendations from the further education funding councils, to establish a new body to support and develop the quality and delivery of further education. This new body will supersede the further education unit and the Staff college, and will build on the valuable contributions that both have made. Arrangements for the transition to the new body will be finalised in the light of discussion with the funding councils, the further education unit and the Staff college.

Mr. Bryan Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what percentage of the costs of the new development agency for further education will be met by is Department in each of the first three years of its existence.

Mr. Boswell

The Government intend that, over time, the new body should generate a substantial proportion of its income direct from colleges. It will be funded at the outset through a combination of block grant from the further education funding councils, and income from other sources including charges for services. The balance between these will depend on the needs and wishes of the customers, and the potential for attracting income.