To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how many vocational training courses in (a) dance, (b) hairdressing, (c) food processing (wine), (d) aromatherapy, (e) ear-piercing and (f) beauty treatment received funding from his Department in 2008. (264022)

As announced through the Government’s Grant Letter to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) on 18 November, funding for adult learning will be £3.3 billion in 2009-10, an increase of 4.2 per cent. compared with 2008-09.

FE Colleges and providers are given indicative budgets based on the expected delivery of an overall volume of learning. The actual numbers and types of courses delivered by a college or provider will depend on learner and employer demand. The Statistical First Release (SFR) “DIUS: Post-16 Education: Learner Participation and Outcomes in England 2007/08” (December 2008) provides information on the number of LSC funded learners in particular sectors, however information on the number of different courses funded in a given year is not collected. The SFR can be found at the following link:

http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000825/index.shtml