§ Dr. StarkeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he is taking to improve the availability of science, engineering and technology higher and further education to women in rural areas. [47513]
§ Dr. HowellsOur proposals for encouraging lifelong learning for people throughout the UK, including rural communities, are set out in the consultation paper "The Learning Age". Higher education is available in England from over 100 higher education institutions, including the Open University, and from many further education colleges. The Further Education Funding Council has a duty to secure the provision of adequate and sufficient facilities for further education.
The University for Industry will break down barriers to learning by making provision more flexible and accessible. It will offer rural learners the opportunity to access information and advice, register on courses, access support from tutors and work at their own pace, using the most suitable methods at home, in the workplace or at local learning places.
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 funding for rural transport 166W services—mainly additional bus services—which will enable more young people in rural communities to access post-16 provision.