§ Mr. WillisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of the level and impact of reductions in the 2004–05 Connexions budget upon each of the Connexions partnerships; what criteria were used in forming the decision to make the reductions; and if he will make a statement. [175850]
§ Margaret HodgeIt is too soon to assess the precise consequences of the reduction in VAT transitional funding for Connexions Partnerships but early
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UK domiciled, full-time first degree graduates with known first destination Year of graduation Activity1 1997/98 1998/99 1999/2000 2000/01 2001/02 Numbers Entering employment in the UK 115,200 116,290 112,250 114,905 114,165 Entering employment overseas 4,340 4,430 4,620 4,450 3,875 Further study/training 32,720 33,860 32,700 32,470 33,000 Not available 8,260 9,820 10,220 11,365 11,040 Seeking employment 12,150 11,805 10,970 13,225 14,295 Total of known first destination 172,660 176,205 170,750 176,415 176,390 Percentages Entering employment in the UK 67 66 66 65 65 Entering employment overseas 3 3 3 3 2 Further study/training 19 19 19 18 19 Not available 5 6 6 6 6 Seeking employment 7 7 6 7 8 Total of known first destination 100 100 100 100 100 1Based on the destinations of graduates six months after graduation. Note: Totals may not sum due to founding. Source: HESA indications are that the impact on the delivery of services to young people will be minimal. The key criterion used in forming this decision was to minimise any adverse impact on the front line services to young people.