Funding Of Further And Higher Education

EDM number 669 in 1995-96, proposed by Paul Murphy on 27/03/1996.

That this House is concerned that, in the European Year of Lifelong Learning, Government policies for post-school education significantly undercut efforts to improve the country's record of achievements in education and training, and undermine efforts to reach the revised national education and training targets; notes that the education and training provided by higher, further and adult education is crucial to the United Kingdom's future competitiveness; further notes that post- school education equips individuals with knowledge and skills for employment and reduces dependence on benefits; deplores the fact that funding cuts are reducing opportunities for people to take part in post-school education, and by reducing the amount that is available for students are leading to worsened facilities, poor equipment, overcrowding and less traditional attention, and will result in a long period of uncertainty and delay, while access and quality decline; further deplores the cuts in funding for higher, further, adult and penal education in the November 1995, Public Expenditure Statement; and believes that this funding should be urgently reviewed.

This motion has been signed by a total of 56 MPs.