§ Mr. Bryan DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what funding changes are planned for the European Union part course fees reimbursement scheme administered by the British Council; what are the reasons for such changes; and what is the current level of funding for the European Union part course fees reimbursement scheme administered by the British Council. [17665]
§ Mr. ForthThe EC part course fees reimbursement scheme is a voluntary initiative by the UK Government which we have decided to discontinue. At a time of public expenditure constraint and many competing claims for funding, we are concerned to concentrate resources on our prime objectives, including participation in higher education by British students. The estimate of expenditure on the scheme in the current financial year is £1.389 million, including administration costs. The financial year 1996–97 will be the final full year of the scheme.