§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the expenditure was on Education Maintenance Allowances by each education and library board in Northern Ireland in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [114651]
§ Mr. IngramExpenditure over the last three years on the maintenance element of Boarding, Maintenance and Clothing Allowances paid by each Education and Library Board in Northern Ireland is as follows:
£ 1996–97 1997–98 1998–99 Belfast 5,599 8,518 8,687 North-eastern 5,232 7,272 5,109 South-eastern 9,406 10,294 4,304 Southern 14,711 11,697 13,437 Western 16,521 11,707 11,654 Total 51,469 49,488 43,191 These allowances are not directly related to Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMAs), which are presently being piloted in a number of areas in England and Wales. The progress of these pilots will continue to be monitored by the Department of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment and their possible application in Northern Ireland will be evaluated in due course.