13. To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps he has taken to eliminate pay differences between lecturers in further education and teachers in schools. (114161)

The FE White Paper (2006) reinforced the commitment to close the funding gap between schools and colleges. Funding for FE has increased by 48 per cent. in real terms between 1997 and 2005. Over the next two years (2006-07 and 2007-08) funding for FE participation will increase in cash terms by over £300 million (7 per cent.).

FE providers are, however, independent organisations. We believe it is important that each provider retains the discretion to make their own decisions about pay for their staff, within their overall budget.