§ Mr. Liddell-GraingerTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what help will be given to agricultural colleges to cope with the change in the rural economy resulting from the foot and mouth epidemic. [65145]
§ Margaret HodgeFunding and planning of provision by agricultural colleges in the further education sector is the responsibility of the Learning and Skills Council. I have therefore asked John Harwood, the Council's Chief Executive, to write to the hon. Member providing the information requested and to place a copy of his reply in the Library. Agricultural colleges in the higher education sector are responsible for their own management and development, in discussion with the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).