§ 24. Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations he has received this year on(a) higher and further education funding and (b) NHS funding. [84151]
§ Mr. MacdonaldScottish Office Ministers and officials have had regular contact with a wide range of institutions and interests in further and higher education. Issues arising have included matters relating to funding and I have been particularly pleased by the warm response from both sectors to our commitment to invest significantly in further and higher education throughout the three year Comprehensive Spending Review period.
Representations on NHS funding have been received from a variety of bodies. Following the Comprehensive Spending Review an additional investment of £1.8 billion is being made available in the NHS in Scotland over the next three years. A further £37.1 million over the next three years was provided in the March budget for Capital Modernisation.
From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.