§ 14. Mr. Madelasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will make a statement on the progress of the technical and vocational education initiative.
§ Mr. Chris PattenSeventy-three education authorities throughout Great Britain are now involved in the TVEI. All authorities have been given the opportunity to take part in this important initiative; most are already running projects, and proposals from a further 25 which wish to join in the final phase starting this September are under consideration. The Government are encouraged by the enthusiasm and commitment that the TVEI has generated among those involved. The pilot projects, which are exploring how the education of 14 to 18–year-olds can be made more relevant to adult and working life, are already providing important lessons. We are considering how these should be applied more widely.
§ Mr. MadelAs the effectiveness and popularity of the TVEI increases among parents and children, can my hon. Friend assure the House that the Government remain committed to the necessary increase in funding for the TVEI to meet increased demand?
§ Mr. PattenThe Government are committed to considering how the lessons that have been learnt from this extremely successful initiative, in which we are investing about £250 million of the taxpayers' money, can be more widely applied. That will, of course, have some financial implications.