HC Deb 07 November 2002 vol 392 cc729-31W
Mr. Damian Green

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what the annual real terms funding per student in higher education has been in each year since 1997; [78383]

(2) what projections he has made of the annual real terms funding per student in higher education in each year until 2010. [78384]

Margaret Hodge

[holding reply 31 October 2002]: I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my reply in the Library.

Mr. Boswell

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, when he will publish his annual grant letter to the Higher Education Funding Council for England. [80278]

Margaret Hodge

The grant letter to the Higher Education Funding Council for England will be published in due course.

Mr. Boswell

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, if he will make a statement on the overall financial position of the higher education sector in each of the last three years; and how many institutions were in(a) surplus and (b) deficit in each of those years. [80317]

Margaret Hodge

The table shows the overall financial position of the publicly funded higher education sector in England and the number of institutions with deficits in the last three years for which information is available.

1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01
Total income £m 9,915 10,402 11,069
Operating surplus £m 173 125 44
Number of HEIs in deficit 28 52 48

In 2000–01, there were 130 higher education institutions funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

Mr. Boswell

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what research he collates on the correlation between higher education expenditure and changes in Gross Domestic Product. [80337]

Margaret Hodge

Data for OECD countries shows a positive correlation between the proportion of GDP spent on higher education institutions and levels of Gross Domestic Product. It is difficult to isolate the impact of higher education on growth due to the many other things which determine economic growth. Evidence suggests that higher education is more important for growth in developed countries than other levels of education. The returns from higher education enjoyed by individuals are high. For example, graduates earn around 64 per cent. more than non-graduates. Participation in higher education generates wider social benefits such as improved health and reduced crime. Research also suggests that the spill-over effects of higher education R&D on productivity are extremely high.

Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, if he will calculate the(a) amount spent per pupil on primary and secondary education by Cheshire County Council and (b) average amount spent per pupil on primary and secondary education by local authorities in England in the last financial year for which figures are available; what assessment he has made of the effect on educational provision in Cheshire if the average sum were to be spent; and if he will make a statement. [80005]

Mr. Miliband

The requested information is as follows:

(a) Net Current Expenditure per pupil in Cheshire
Primary £2310
Secondary £2920
Both £2580
(b) Net Current Expenditure per pupil in England
Primary £2440
Secondary £3060
Both £2710

All figures in cash terms and rounded to the nearest £10.

The data has been taken from Cheshire Education Authority's section 52 Outturn statement for the 2000–01 financial year. Variations in spending per pupil between authorities reflect higher area costs and greater incidence of deprivation in some areas. The Government will be announcing later this year the outcome of its review of formula funding for local authorities.

Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how many representations he has received from residents of(a) Cheshire and (b) Congleton constituency registering their response to his Department's review of revenue grant distribution; when he expects to announce his decision following his Department's consultation; and if he will make a statement. [80004]

Mr. Miliband

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government on 6 November.

Mr. Byers

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how many students were attending a full-time degree level course or its equivalent in each year since 1990, broken down by local education authority. [79252]

Margaret Hodge

[holding answer 4 November 2002]: I will write to my right hon. friend when the information is available and will place a copy of my reply in the Library.

Mr. Djanogly

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, if he will consult(a) students and (b) parents of students living in Cambridgeshire on the findings of the review of higher education. [79571]

Mr. Caton

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what plans the Government has to consult student organizations on the outcome of the review of higher education. [79449]

Margaret Hodge

We have announced our intention to publish in January a strategy document setting out our vision for the development and reform of higher education, including the outcome of the review of student support. Once the document is published there will be opportunity for interested parties to respond.