§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the distribution figures across (i) higher and further education institutions in Scotland and (ii) higher and further education courses in Scotland for the Government's target of(a) 750,000 higher and further education places in Scotland, (b) increasing the number of higher and further education places in Scotland by 42,000 and (c) 40,000 full time equivalent places in Scotland by 2001–02. [84876]
§ Dr. Reid[holding answer 24 May 1999]: The information is not available in the form requested. The table indicates the numbers of students in further and higher education institutions in Scotland, and the distribution across further and higher education courses for 1997–98, the last year for which statistics are available. 42,000 additional student places will be funded over the Comprehensive Spending Review period from 1999–2000 to 2001–02 (40,000 in FE colleges and 2,000 in HE institutions). The distribution of these places between level and mode of delivery will be a matter for the Scottish Further and Scottish Higher Education Funding Councils. We have indicated that institutions should make it a priority to draw additional students from under-represented groups.
From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.
HE institutions FE institutions1 Total 1997–98 FE courses2 72,923 341,941 414,864 HE courses 178,575 69,124 247,699 Total 251,498 411,065 662,563 1 Provisional 2 It is possible for a student to be enrolled on more than one course in one year. This is particularly relevant to the part time FE sector. Students are counted for each course on which they enrol.