§ John MannTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what analysis has been carried out by the Learning and Skills Council on the skills base in coalfield areas compared to the national average. [41822]
§ Margaret HodgeThis is a matter for the Learning and Skills Council. I have therefore asked John Harwood, the council's chief executive, to write to my hon. Friend with the information requested and to place a copy of his reply in the Library.
§ John MannTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many learning and skills council headquarters are situated in coalfield constituencies. [41824]
§ Margaret HodgeThe Learning and Skills Council (LSC) national office is based in Coventry and operates through 47 local arms. There are local LSC offices close to coalfield constituencies at: Stoke-on-Trent, Derby, Nottingham, Sheffield, Middlesbrough, Newton Aycliffe, Gateshead and Cramlington. The most important aspect is that the LSC's programmes are accessible throughout their local areas. The actual location of the office has no bearing on the quality, delivery and availability of the services on offer.