§ 27. Dr. StarkeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has had from small business representatives about his proposals to provide employment for young people. [8624]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithI refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave earlier to my hon. Friend the Member for North-west Leicestershire (Mr. Taylor).
§ 35. Caroline FlintTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what role further and higher education colleges will play in delivering his proposals for providing employment for young people. [8633]
§ Dr. HowellsFurther and higher education have a vital role to play in delivering the skilled work force we will need in the next century. We have a wide range of proposals for improving young people's participation in high quality education and training, including the new deal and Target 2000. Our new deal for young unemployed people will start across the whole country next April. Under the new deal people who do not have basic qualifications will have the opportunity to undertake750W full-time education or training. Participants on this option may undertake courses lasting up to 12 months, which will give them time to gain an accredited and useful qualification.
§ 36. Ms RyanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what consultation he is undertaking on his proposals for providing employment for young people. [8634]
§ Mr. SmithThere will be three national design workshops, two in London on 24 and 30 July and one in Birmingham on 28 July. There will also be 24 regional consultation meetings and these will be followed by extensive local consultation on partnerships to deliver the new deal.