Partners give cash for life

Scotland's finance minister Jack McConnell this week claimed there would be Pounds 29 million of new money for lifelong learning over the next three years under the Labour-Liberal Democrat partnership agreement.

In the Scottish executive's first spending plans, Pounds 14 million will go to access funds for higher education students, Pounds 9 million to a pilot scheme encouraging pupils from low-income families to stay on at school and Pounds 6 million to double loan funding for part-time low-income students.

The enterprise and lifelong learning budget rises from Pounds 1,856 million in cash terms this year to Pounds 1,986 million in 2001-02.

Independent MSP Dennis Canavan asked if the plans allowed for the abolition of tuition fees and the restoration of grants.

But Mr McConnell said it would be wise to await the outcome of the current independent inquiry into student finance.