HC Deb 17 July 1997 vol 298 cc314-5W
Mr. Pickthall

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what resources will be available for access funds for students in further and higher education institutions in England in 1997–98; and when he proposes to issue new guidance on the use of the funds. [9801]

Dr. Howells

The Department is making available £27.733 million for Access Funds for students in further and higher education in England for the academic year 1997–98. The total sum is being allocated between the two Funding Councils for England as follows:

£ million
(i) Higher Education Funding Council for England to be allocated as follows: 21.693
Undergraduate Fund 15.953
Postgraduate Fund 5.40
Further Education Fund 0.34
(ii) Further Education Funding Council 6.04
Total 27.733

The Department will shortly be writing to the two Funding Councils with guidance to be given to institutions about allocation and use of the Funds for 1997–98.