§ Mr. FlightTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the budget for the teaching of A-Levels and equivalent academic courses in sixth-form colleges was in each year since 1996–97; and what the budget is for 2005–06. [147414]
§ Alan Johnson[holding answer 14 January 2004]The Department allocates funds to the Learning and Skills Council for the provision of A-Levels and equivalent academic courses in the post-16 learning and skills sector. The Department does not provide a specific budget to the LSC for sixth-form colleges. It is for the Learning and Skills Council to determine for itself the right level of investment in sixth-form colleges from the funds allocated to it for learning participation. Mark Haysom the Council's Chief Executive will to write to the hon. Gentleman providing details of the funds allocated to sixth-form colleges from 1996–97 to 2003–04, and provisional allocations to sixth form colleges from 2004–05 to 2005–06. A copy of his letter will be placed in the House Library.