HC Deb 13 January 1998 vol 304 cc163-4W
Mr. Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many children took part in the summer school scheme in 1997; and what estimate he has made of the number taking part in(a) 1998, (b) 1999 and (c) 2000. [20101]

Mr. Hain

A total of 736 children took part in the 1997 Wales Summer Literacy Programme. Provision for expansion is being made. The Scheme is to be extended to every authority for 1998 and they are currently working up their delivery plans.

Mr. Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the cost of the summer school scheme in 1997; and what estimate he has made of the cost in(a) 1998, (b) 1999 and (c) 2000. [20100]

Mr. Hain

The 1997 pilot programme was implemented as a joint initiative between Local Education Authorities (LEAs) and Training and Enterprise Councils (TECs). Seedcorn funding of £75,000 was provided by the Welsh Office.

Subject to Parliamentary approval there will be £220,000 available through the Grants for Education Support and Training (GEST) programme in 1998–99. Provision beyond 1999 is the subject of the Department's Comprehensive Spending Review.