§ Mr. GorrieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how much of the funding allocated to colleges under European funding schemes is currently outstanding; [71362]
150W(2) how many bids by Scottish colleges for European funding have been successful; and what has been the average length of time between the initial approval of the scheme and the receipt by the college of the first and the final payments. [71363]
§ Mr. MacdonaldThe information requested could not be identified except at disproportionate cost. Further Education colleges in Scotland secure from the European Social Fund assistance amounting to over £20 million per year for over 400 projects per year. Payments are made as soon as possible following the receipt of valid claims.
The administration of the European Structural Funds in Scotland will, from 1 July 1999, be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.