§ Mr. JenkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he is taking to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of TECs in(a) raising skill levels and (b) fostering enterprise. [43111]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Government introduced a package of measures in September to raise TEC performance to the level of the best, which includes sharing good practice. As announced in The Learning Age, we have also set up a Training Standards Council to supervise a Training Inspectorate to drive up the standards of training funded through TECs.
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§ Mr. FatchettThe information requested is contained in the following table:
In addition, on 13 May, the Secretary of State announced a review of the future role, purpose and funding framework for TECs in delivering the Government's education, skills and enterprise objectives. The review will consider how we will give a clear focus to the role of TECs, and will develop proposals for improving efficiency and effectiveness. The review will lead to the publication of new Strategic Guidance in the Autumn which will set out the future role of TECs and the Government's expectations of them.
§ Mr. JenkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the surplus achieved by Staffordshire TEC on trading accounts in(a)1995–96 and (b)1996–97. [43113]
§ Dr. HowellsThe surplus in 1995–96 was £385,000 and in 1996–97 was £1,548,000.