HC Deb 25 July 2000 vol 354 cc567-8W
Mr. Boswell

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to amend Section 68 of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 in order for the Higher Education Funding Council for England to provide financial help for universities submitting plans for year-on-year improvements in the widening of access. [132529]

Mr. Wicks

The Government have no plans to amend Section 68 of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992.

Mr. Boswell

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much additional funding will be made available to higher education institutes through HEFCE to facilitate access between 2000–01 and 2003–04. [132532]

Mr. Wicks

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment announced, on July 18, £20 million of additional funding to widen access to higher education in 2001–02. Further announcements will be made in due course.

Mr. Boswell

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to consult representatives of higher education institutions on the criteria for access plans to be acceptable for additional funding. [132533]

Mr. Wicks

This is a matter for the Higher Education Funding Council for England which already negotiates annual operating statements that include a statement about widening access with all HE institutions. Further details will be available in due course.