To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was (a) the total cost of home to college transport to local authorities in England and Wales for 16 years plus students in the year 1995–96 and (b) the cost of home to college transport to Essex County Council for 16 years plus students in the year 1995–96. [35242]

LEA expenditure in England on home to college transport was £36.9 million in 1995–96. The corresponding figure for Essex Local Education Authority was £3.1 million. These figures do not take account of parental contributions of £2.8 million and zero for England and for Essex respectively. The funding of home to college transport in Wales is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.