§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what recent representations he has received from the National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education concerning pay and conditions for further education lecturers; and what reply he has sent. [88236]
§ Mr. MudieMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State met recently with representatives of NATFHE to discuss issues they wished to raise about pay and conditions for further education lecturers. We have received a number of letters from hon. Members enclosing copies of a letter which NATFHE members had been encouraged to send. We have replied to those representations, noting that we are providing very substantial extra funds for further education—£725 million over the next two years. Colleges are responsible for the pay and conditions of their staff. Nevertheless, we take every opportunity to encourage unions and employers to work together to determine a sensible way forward under the improved circumstances we have created.