§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what recent representations he has received regarding the pay and conditions of teaching staff in the further education sector; and if he will make a statement. [88063]
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§ Mr. MudieMinisters have recently met representatives of the National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education, the Sixth Form Colleges Employers Forum, the National Joint Council for Sixth Form Colleges and the Association of Colleges and have discussed issues about the pay and conditions of 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.