§ Mr. ByersTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when the Department began its investigation into allegations of irregularities in payments made by training and enterprise councils to a national training provider; if the investigation is now complete; how many TECs are involved; and what was the total sum of money involved. [15085]
§ Mrs. Gillan[holding answer 13 February 1996]: The Department's investigation started in April 1994 and has been completed. The investigation focused primarily on claims on one training and enterprise council. There has been no financial loss to the Department. Close liaison with the National Audit Office and the police was maintained throughout, and police inquiries are continuing.