§ Mr. BarronTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what plans he has to(a) increase and (b) reduce the number of (i) industry training organisations, (ii) lead bodies, (iii) awarding bodies and (iv) occupational standards councils; and if he will make a statement. [26505]
§ Mr. PaiceThe Department has no plans to change the numbers of industry training organisations, lead bodies, awarding bodies or occupational standards councils.
It is for groups of employers to decide whether to apply to the Department for recognition as an ITO. Equally, it is for groups of employers or others to decide whether they wish to act as a lead body or to participate in an occupational standards council.
The Department does not have powers to recognise awarding bodies. The National Council for Vocational Qualifications sets strict criteria for organisations wanting to award national vocational qualifications.