A GOVERNMENT minister has refused to be drawn into the row over proposed job losses at Nelson and Colne College.

Education Minister James Paice told Pendle MP Gordon Prentice that the Government had no intention of intervening in the college's cash crisis which has brought moves to axe 47 posts, many of them lecturers.

The job-cut proposal sparked a massive protest among staff and students who claim any cuts could jeopardise future education at the college.

Mr Paice said he would not instruct the Further Education Funding Council to review the college's decision.

"It is for colleges in the further education sector such as Nelson and Colne to manage their resources, including staff, as they see fit in the light of changing needs and circumstances," he said.

Mr Prentice countered: "This is the politics of Pontius Pilate.

"The Government has washed its hands of all responsibility and says it is up to the FEFC.

"Yet the FEFC is on record as saying, in its annual report published only last month, there is a crisis in further education funding with over 200 colleges running deficits.

"I am still waiting for a substantive reply from the FEFC about the crisis at my local college.

"I want to know what action they are proposing to take."

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