§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many further education colleges in England and Wales face budget reductions for the financial year 1997–98. [5330]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Further Education Funding Council has determined final allocations for the academic year 1997–98 in respect of 227 colleges. 109 of these colleges have reduced allocations compared to their funding allocations at the start of 1996–97. 202 of these colleges have reduced allocations compared to their estimated out-turn for 1996–97. Final allocations have still to be made for the remaining 220 colleges.
The responsibility for colleges in Wales lies with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.
§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many further education colleges in England and Wales are currently operating with a financial deficit. [5329]
§ Dr. HowellsBased on audited accounts for the academic year ending July 1996, the number of colleges in England with an operating deficit is 275. The total operating deficit involved is £112 million, equivalent to 2.9 per cent. of total income.
The responsibility for colleges in Wales lies with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.
§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how many students were enrolled in further education colleges in England and Wales during 1992–93; [5327]
16W(2) how many students are enrolled in further education colleges in England and Wales during the current financial year. [5328]
§ Dr. HowellsThe figures in table 1 below show the number of FE and HE students in further education colleges in England in the academic years, 1992–93 and 1996–97. In order to provide data on a comparable basis, the 1992–93 figure includes information for sixth form colleges which became part of the FE sector in April 1993. Information for 1996–97 is provisional.
Table 1: Number of students in further education colleges in England (thousands) Academic year Number of students in further education colleges1 1992–93 1,952.5 1996–97 (Provisional) 2,351.8 Note:
1 As at 1 November.
§ Mr. TruswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what criteria he will employ in considering proposed mergers of further education colleges; and if continuity, choice and accessibility of courses will be essential requirements. [5277]
§ Dr. HowellsMy right hon. Friend will normally consider proposed mergers on the basis of a formal proposal from the Further Education Funding Council for England. The Council assesses proposals against criteria which include the benefits to existing and future students in terms of access and choice. It is also a statutory requirement, contained in S.I. 1992 No. 2361, that public notices in respect of proposals shall include the educational provision to be made for those students who have not completed their courses at the time of the merger.
§ Mr. TruswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to review the effects of the incorporation of colleges and of the further education funding council system, particularly as regards areas served by a number of further education institutions. [5315]
§ Dr. HowellsMy right hon. Friend expects the further education sector to continue to be funded by the Further Education Funding Council for England and for colleges to continue to be governed as independent institutions. In areas served by a number of colleges, he would welcome greater collaboration between them.