§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the total amount of money paid to date to the Barnsley and Doncaster TEC to assist with social and economic regeneration in respect of the pit closure programme; and(a) how much has been spent to-date and (b) on what scheme. [31424]
§ Mr. PaiceOver the three financial years 1993–94 to 1995–96, a total of £6.9 million pounds has been paid to the Barnsley and Doncaster training and enterprise council to support the range of activities agreed between the Government office for Yorkshire and Humberside and the TEC under the local coal plan.
The moneys were used by the TEC to extend and enhance the provision of adult training, business start-up and business support services available to communities that were affected by colliery closures. In addition, a number of local initiatives were developed, using the funding provided, to increase the range of local education, training and employment advisory and guidance services available to those who required help.
Other Government funding available to the TEC will also have benefited those areas directly affected by colliery closure.