§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations she has had on the need to restore the capital allowance for 393W university equipment and minor works and on the need for stability in the level of funding received per student; what replies have been sent; what action she is taking; and if she will make a statement. [28662]
§ Mr. ForthMy right hon. Friend has received a large number of representations about higher education funding. The UK HE sector is currently receiving £7 billion in public funding, 20 per cent. of the funding for education as a whole. That is a large sum, and a substantial share of available resources. We are working with the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals and other HE bodies to collate evidence about the effects of levels of public funding on universities, and to consider the private finance initiative in HE.