§ 26. Mrs. Irene AdamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what additional resources have been channelled into further education since 1 May 1997. [61290]
§ Mrs. LiddellThe Government have been able to make available to the further education (FE) sector in 1997–98 and 1998–99 £12.4 million more than the planning figures set by the previous Administration. This is in spite of the160W Government's commitment to operate within the overall spending limits planned by the previous Administration for the period.
Further education in Scotland is to receive a massive boost over the next three years, as a result of the Comprehensive Spending Review. In total, the FE budget will receive an additional £214 million over the period, to support further increases in student numbers, promote wider access to FE, improve quality and standards, and stabilise the financial position of the sector.