§ Mrs. Ann TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) what outstanding moneys were owed by the organisation Choice in Education to the Grant Maintained Schools Centre Ltd. as at February 1993; for what purpose the money was originally transferred; and why it was outstanding;
(2) which staff employed by Choice in Education had salaries paid from Grant Maintained Schools Centre Ltd. funds; when such payments were made; and when Choice in Education was recharged.
§ Mr. Robin SquireMy right hon. Friend has no responsibility for accounting arrangements concerning those activities of the Grant Maintained Schools Centre Ltd. which are not grant aided. The centre's auditors have certified that Government grants have been used for purposes approved by my right hon. Friend. No part of any Government grant to the centre was used to fund Choice in Education.
§ Mrs. Ann TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what weaknesses in the financial systems operated by the Grant Maintained Schools Centre Ltd. were identified by his Department's internal report of February 1993.
§ Mr. Robin SquireThe Grant Maintained Schools Centre Ltd. has addressed the weaknesses in financial systems mentioned in the Department's internal report. The auditors' report on the company's accounts for 1992–93 include clear statements that following improvements in its systems the centre is maintaining adequate financial controls and that Government grant was used for the intended purposes.
§ Mrs. Ann TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what ex gratia payments have been made by the Grant Maintained Schools Centre Ltd.; and for what reasons.
§ Mr. Robin SquireMy right hon. Friend is not aware of any ex gratia payments made by the Grant Maintained Schools Centre Ltd. other than elements of redundancy payments to a small number of staff.