§ Mr. EnrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what responsibilities his Department has to those firms which are put into bankruptcy as a result of the financial failure of TECs which renege on their debts.
§ Mr. PaiceBecause training and enterprise councils are private companies, the Department has no legal responsibilities towards firms contracted with them.
Contracts between TECs and other parties are commercial, subject to company law and the law of contract, including that relating to insolvency.
The Department is concerned, where problems arise between TECs and suppliers of services under Government programmes, that steps are taken to minimise disruption to individuals.