§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment under what statutory authority Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools has been given the power to inspect research findings in initial teacher training institutions; and what conditions are imposed by Government on Ofsted for the awarding of contracts to consultants to carry out such inspections. [18806]
§ Mr. Byers[holding answer 2 December 1997]: HMCI has no powers to inspect research findings in initial teacher training institutions and does not do so.
As a government department, Ofsted is expected to follow government guidance and best practice in procurement and contracting, and has an obligation always to seek best value for money.
316WI have asked Chris Woodhead to write to the hon. Member on both these points.