§ Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recent discussions he has had on the links between industry and higher education which relate to the development of the Omega site in Warrington; and if he will make a statement. [171015]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisThe Secretary of State has not been involved in any discussions on this issue. The Learning and Skills Council and Warrington Borough Council have been chairing a working group looking at skills needs in relation to the site (the Omega Skills Challenge Group). The group includes representatives of local higher education institutions. This is a prudent measure, and does not pre-empt any decision on the planning application to develop the site.