HC Deb 14 April 2003 vol 403 cc557-8W
Mr. Goodman

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recent discussions have takes place between the Local Learning and Skills Council and the South Buckinghamshire 14 to 19 Consortium in relation to a Learners Lifeline bid; and if he will make a statement.[108119]

Mr. Miliband

[holding answer 8 April 2003]: This is a matter for the Learning and Skills Council. However, the South Buckinghamshire 14 to 19 Consortium has recently submitted an expression of interest to the Department to be a 14 to 19 pathfinder in 2003–04. This includes, among other things, the creation of individual 'Learners Lifeline' packages to help retain in education and training those young people in danger of dropping out, and to promote inclusion. The expression of interest was submitted with the support and agreement of, among others, the Executive Director of the Local Learning and Skills Council.