To ask the Secretary of State for Education what is the total amount of college fees in respect of students in higher education which is funded by his Department; and if he will make a statement on how such funding is distributed on behalf of the Department.

The total amount of college fees funded by the Department in respect of undergraduate students at collegiate unversities was£46 million in the academic year 1990–91, the latest year for which full information is available. These fees are payable by local education authorities on behalf of students holding mandatory awards and are reimbursed in full by the Department.