§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many TECs have merged their operation with chambers of commerce; and what arrangements will be made for continued business involvement by membership of their successor bodies. [115006]
§ Mr. Wicks[holding answer 16 March 2000]: Of the existing 72 TECs, 16 have merged their operations with chambers of commerce.
In developing our plans for the LSC, we have listened closely to business and acted on their recommendations. We recently announced that on both the national and local Learning and Skills Councils 40 per cent. of the LSC members, together with the national Chair and most local Chairs, will have substantial recent business or commercial experience.
We are also taking a wide range of steps to ensure continued involvement in the LSCs by business leaders with a strong interest in learning and skills. For example Nick Reilly, the Chairman and Managing Director of Vauxhall Motors Ltd., has set up a Business Champions Group to raise awareness in the business community about the Learning and Skills Council and to encourage business involvement.