§ Mr. Patrick ThompsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he has plans for further funding for the Open college; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CopeI am pleased to announce that we have decided to provide further funding for the Open college to develop its important work. We are currently discussing with the college arrangements for this further funding, which would be up to a maximum of £12 million for its commercial activities over the next three years, and further £6 million for broadcasting activities.
The college's recent performance has been very encouraging. Sales of courses are now running at over 5,000 a month, and over 60,000 learners have taken college courses since its start. Some 600 companies are associated with the college and many major companies and institutions are collaborating with the college to produce training materials to meet their specific training needs.
The achievement of self-financing of the college within the next three years remains our firm goal. However, in order to give the college the secure base it needs to achieve this, further funding would be required. Support will also be needed for broadcasting.
In order to ensure the best value for money for the public purse, this funding is subject to important conditions, not least that the college should have agreed with us the next stage of its business plan setting out the route to self-financing over the three year period without any further calls on public support thereafter. The plan would also outline how the college's work over this period would support out training objectives. Michael Green, the college's chairman, has welcomed our decision and fully accepts these conditions.
This further funding provides the opportunity the college needs to secure its work with others in industry and education in helping to meet the nation's skill needs. The college will encourage employers to provide more effective training for their workforce; it will help individuals including the unemployed to gain the skills they need to contribute effectively to the economy; and will support us in our task of persuading individuals and employers increasingly to invest in their future by providing effective training.