§ 16. Norman LambTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make a statement on the system of maintenance support available for young people in further education. [40734]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisWe are breaking down the financial barriers which prevent young people from succeeding in further education in a number of ways. We are piloting education maintenance allowances for young people in 56 local authority areas. We have increased the existing learner support funds from £6 million in 1997 to £51 million in 2001–02. And we are introducing the Connexions Card which will make a range of discounts and rewards available to young people who participate in learning.