To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills if he will take steps to ensure the continuation of the capital funding programme for further education colleges. (263827)

Since 1997 more than £2 billion has been invested in modernising further education facilities and we will spend another £2.3 billion in the current spending review period.

This Government have already confirmed their intention that the current Further education capital programme will continue after 2010-11 under the management of the new Skills Funding Agency. The amount of funding available will depend upon the outcome of Government's next spending review.