§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what proposals the Government have for further reform of the national vocational qualification system assessment and monitoring procedures.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe National Council for Vocational Qualifications and SCOTVEC in Scotland set228W the criteria for the assessment and quality assurance of national vocational qualifications, and Scottish vocational qualifications in Scotland. At my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State's request, the NCVQ is currently reviewing the criteria.
The White Paper on competitiveness, announced on 24 May by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, provides for NCVQ to strengthen its role in the local quality assurance arrangements for national vocational qualifications.
The White Paper also included proposals for further work to enhance and improve the NVQ system.
§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether he intends to establish a departmental inquiry into allegations of inadequacies in vocational training in colleges of further education.
§ Miss WiddecombeNo. The Department's internal audit is investigating certain allegations related to the award of national vocational qualifications. No wider inquiry is planned by the Department.