§ Mr. WorthingtonTo 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. AncramIt 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 661W information becomes available and I will place a copy in the Library.