HC Deb 17 June 1999 vol 333 c224W
Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the estimated increase in the budget for the current financial year, expressed in cash and percentage terms of the Higher Education Funding Council; and if he will make a statement. [86337]

Mr. Hain

The recurrent grant for the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales for 1999–2000 is £263.341 million. This represents an increase of £32.119 million (almost 14 per cent.) over 1998–99. In addition £5.362 million of capital has been provided to support the research and teaching infrastructure and to provide new teaching equipment.

The funding represents an excellent settlement for the Welsh higher education sector.

Responsibility for higher education funding will transfer to the National Assembly from 1 July.

Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received on higher education funding. [86342]

Mr. Hain

A very small number of representations have been received since my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced the funding allocation for higher education in Wales following the Comprehensive Spending Review.

The real terms increase in resources for the Welsh HE sector has been welcomed.

Responsibility for higher education funding will transfer to the National Assembly from 1 July.

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