HC Deb 22 January 1997 vol 288 cc660-1W
Mr. Worthington

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the budget for discretionary and postgraduate student awards in cash and constant price terms for 1996–97 and 1997–98; what consequences this will have for the provision of services; and if he will make a statement. [10983]

Mr. Ancram

It is a matter for each education and library board to determine how much of its block grant should be allocated to discretionary awards. The 1996–97 budget is £6.9 million but that for 1997–98 has yet to be determined.

The table sets out the financial information for postgraduate awards made by the Department of Education for Northern Ireland.

£ million
Year Budget (cash) At 1996–97 prices
1996–97 4.6 4.6
1997–98 4.4 4.3

The detailed application of the 1997–98 budget is still under consideration.

I will write to the hon. Member about both discretionary and postgraduate awards when further information becomes available and I will place a copy in the Library.