§ Mr. FlightTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on his plans to reallocate resources for universities in England and Wales, with particular reference to the funding of Oxford and Cambridge universities. [25408]
§ Dr. HowellsThe allocation of resources for universities in England is a matter for the Higher Education Funding Council for England, subject to guidance from the Department. A copy of the guidance letter for 1998–99 is in the Library.
Separately we have asked the Funding Council to advise on the mechanisms for setting future funding for universities and colleges at Oxford and Cambridge. We
£ 1997–98 Primary 1997–98 Secondary 1998–99 Primary 1998–99 Secondary Increase Primary Increase Secondary Southwark 3,029 4,030 3,197 4,191 168 161 Shropshire 2,000 2,612 2,100 2,727 100 115 Notes:
The above figures are calculated on the basis of the primary and secondary components of the education standard spending assessments, as defined in the Local Government Finance Report (England) 1997–98 and the draft Report for 1998–99, divided by pupils aged 5–10 and 11–15 respectively, as defined in the reports.
These figures reflect the differing socio-economic makeup of the two authorities. I am discussing the consequences of its financial settlement for 1998–99 with Shropshire county council. The SSA methodology for 1999–2000 is under review.