§ Mr. LevittTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what new initiatives he is taking to promote the delivery of post-16 education in rural areas. [48257]
§ Dr. HowellsWe aim to maximise the participation and achievement of 16 to 18 year olds in all areas through our Investing in Young People strategy. All providers of post-16 education and training will contribute towards these goals. In addition my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in his Budget statement on 17 March 1998,Official Report, columns 1097–1112, an extra £50 million of funding for rural transport services—mainly additional bus services—which will enable more young people in rural communities to access post-16 provision.