Answers to the Written Assembly Questions for answer on 15 March 2010

[R] signifies that the Member has declared an interest.
[W] signifies that the question was tabled in Welsh.

Contents

Questions to the Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills

Questions to the Minister for Rural Affairs

To ask the Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills

Kirsty Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire): Does the Welsh Assembly Government have any targets for the number of people (Welsh-domiciled or otherwise) who attend university and if so, what are they. (WAQ55850)

Answer issued on 16 March 2010

Targets are currently being considered to measure the impact of For Our Future with a view to being in place by summer 2010.  The strategy calls for significantly greater numbers experiencing higher education, while recognising that, for many, the future experience will be quite different from the traditional full-time degree courses, and may not take place in a traditional university setting.  Future targets must therefore reflect the tone and priorities of For Our Future.

The latest data is accessible via the Statistics for Wales website, in the bulletin "Students in Higher Education Institutions - Wales, 2008/09”.

http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/statistics/headlines/post16education2010/0210/?lang=en

To ask the Minister for Rural Affairs

Brynle Williams (North Wales): What discussions has the Minister had with her counterparts in other UK regions concerning the future collection of red meat levy. (WAQ55849)

Answer issued on 16 March 2010

I am aware that there are issues surrounding the mechanism for administering the red meat levy across GB.  Officials across GB are currently working to identify options for Ministerial discussion.

I am fully engaged and working with GB governments to achieve the best possible mechanism for Wales.