§ Mr. EtheringtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when his departmental officials last met representatives of the Further Education Funding Council regarding the provision of further education services to patients detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. [8504]
§ Dr. HowellsOfficials have not held any meetings with FEFC officers on this issue, but there has been contact with FEFC, by telephone and correspondence, on this matter.
§ Mr. EtheringtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to ensure that further education services are available to patients detained under the Mental Health Act 1983; and if he will make a statement. [8503]
§ Dr. HowellsSection 60 of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 debars the Further Education Funding Council from funding the education of patients detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. The Government has no plans for amending the legislation in this area.