asked the Paymaster General which authorities in England have not taken up money available for technical and vocational education initiative; and if he will make a statement.

There are seven local education authorities in England which are either not participating already or have not put in proposals to participate from 1987 in the technical and vocational education initiative. All seven have the opportunity to bid to participate from 1988. It is known that some intend to do so; others are still considering their intentions. Only Kirklees metropolitan council has said that it will not be submitting a proposal to participate.