HC Deb 11 May 1998 vol 312 cc5-6W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will ensure that higher education funding is not reduced following the introduction of tuition fees. [41228]

Mr. Stunell

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what quantity of(a) oil, (b) gas and (c) electricity, was purchased for the heating, lighting and powering of all accommodation occupied by his Department in each year since 1989–90; and what was the total cost in real terms for (a) to (c) in each year. [40413]

Dr. Howells

The following table details the information which is available on DfEE consumption and costs for each financial year from 1990–91 to 1997–98. Central records were not held prior to 1990–91; therefore, information for 1989–90 is not included.

Dr. Howells

As my right hon. Friend said in the House on 23 July 1997,Official Report, column 951, the Government will ensure that savings promised from the new funding arrangements for higher education are used to improve quality, standards and opportunities for all in further and higher education. As evidence of our intention, the funding package announced by my right hon. Friend on 23 September 1997 will allow an extra £165 million to be spent on higher education in 1998–99.