To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what budget has been allocated to the Learning and Skills Council for the purpose of implementing paragraphs 36 to 42 of the Five Year Strategy for Children and Learners (Cm 6272). (101394)

The 16-19 Capital Fund administered by the Learning and Skills Council supports the capacity building measures set out in the Five Year Strategy and 14-19 Education and Skills Implementation Plan. These include the expansion of high-performing secondary schools under ‘presumption’ arrangements; 16-19 competitions; and from 2007, FE colleges under ‘presumption’ arrangements. In 2006-07 up to £120 million is available, and up to £180 million in 2007-08.