§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what representations he has had from the chairman of the Manchester training and enterprise council in regard to the future of work-based training for 16 to 19-year-olds; what reply he is sending; what action he is taking; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BoswellThe chairman of the Manchester TEC wrote about these matters on 4 October and I have already replied to him. The Government are committed to increasing the participation and attainment of young people in both education and training. That will be achieved through a combination of GCE/GCSE qualifications, national vocational qualifications and general NVQs, including the new vocational A-level. The Government want school, college or work-based routes to be available to young people so that individuals can choose the best route for them.