Written question asked by Jon Owen Jones (Labour) on Tuesday, 11 May 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 May 2004. It was answered by Lord Touhig (Labour) on Thursday, 20 May 2004 on behalf of the Wales Office.

Office of the Secretary of State for Wales

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, if he will discuss with the National Assembly for Wales the procedure for applying for Education Maintenance Allowance.

Answer: Mr. Jon Owen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will discuss with the National Assembly for Wales the procedure for applying for Education Maintenance Allowance. [173110] Mr. Touhig: The National Assembly Wales are currently collaborating with the Northern Ireland Office on a single delivery system for Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for both countries. The introduction of EMAs in Wales is following the success of the pilot schemes in England and Scotland over the last three years. Wales and Northern Ireland will now join the scheme on a common basis for the UK. The criteria and eligibility for young people throughout the UK wishing to apply for the EMA is already available on the DfES website, and is outlined in the Assembly Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning's press notice of 27 April. Although full details of the workings of the Welsh system are not yet available, they will be in place in time for young people aged 16 starting full-time education in September this year.

Secondary information