To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 1 April 2009, Official Report, columns 70-72WS, on the Further Education Capital Programme, how much of the £2.3 billion has already been allocated. (270192)

[holding answer 22 April 2009]: The total capital investment through the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) during the spending review period was £2.3 billion prior to the Budget announcement on the 22 April. This covers capital investment on post-16 education which now stands at £2.6 billion following the announcement of the additional £300 million during this spending review to support further education college capital projects.

Following the announcements made in the Budget of 22 April and based on the latest LSC forecast of expenditure over the current spending review period on projects that have already been approved, we estimate that around £500 million is left uncommitted for future college projects.

In line with the recommendations from Sir Andrew Foster, the LSC are currently consulting with the sector on a needs-based approach for prioritising future projects.