Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Roberts of Conwy (Conservative). It was answered on Monday, 20 April 2009.

Education: Further Education Building Programme

Question: My Lords, does the delay in capital spending not run totally counter to the Keynesian statements that the Government have made with regard to the recession? Is it not essential that these capital projects should proceed as soon as possible, if we are to have the trained and skilled people who we are told will be necessary for the future?

Answer: I agree, my Lords, but, to put this in perspective, between 1997-98 and 2006-07 more than £2 billion was invested in modernising FE facilities. My department will spend another £2.3 billion in the current spending review period, and we have brought forward £110 million in 2008-09 within that spending review period as part of our response to boost the economy. This relates back to the point that we need to get the programme going again, but yes, I agree with the noble Lord.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 709 c1242
Session: 2008-09
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Construction Capital investment Further education Building colleges for the future programme Capital Programme in Further Education Review
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk