§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has had with the Association of Scottish Colleges regarding funding; what plans he has to give additional funding to the further education sector in 1999–2000; and if he will make a statement. [47249]
§ Mr. Wilson[holding answer 23 June 1998]: I met with representatives of the Association of Scottish Colleges on 7 May and addressed the Association's Annual Conference on 12 June. On both occasions funding was discussed.
575WNo decisions about funding for the sector in 1999–2000 can be made until the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review is completed. This Government have already increased the resources available to the further education sector in 1998–99 by £11.4 million over the planned figures of the previous Administration.
§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on(a) the future of Clydebank College and (b) the imminent redundancy of lecturing staff there. [47251]
§ Mr. Wilson[holding answer 23 June 1998]: The Board of Management of Clydebank College is currently implementing a series of recommendations contained in a report by independent consultants, the object of which is to restore the College's financial health and viability.
The College's cost base is well above the norm for the further education sector. While any redundancies are regrettable, the college recognises that it is necessary to make significant cost reductions in order to secure its future as a major provider of further education within the local area.
When I visited Clydebank College on 14 May I announced the establishment of a £2 million restructuring fund for the further education sector into which I invited the College to apply.