§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimates he has made of the additional running costs of further education colleges after incorporation. [3600]
§ Mr. AncramThe Department of Education is currently in discussion with the education and library boards about the level of resources to transfer to colleges on incorporation. Colleges will have to determine their staffing and operating structures in the light of available resources.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the additional expenditure to be incurred by the Department of Education as a consequence of the incorporation of the further education colleges. [3601]
§ Mr. AncramThe administrative structure required within the Department as a result of the incorporation of colleges is dependent on the final shape of the legislative framework. Final decisions on the nature of the administrative arrangements cannot be made until this is known.