§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if asylum seekers will be eligible for Government training programmes under the new regulations, with particular reference to training for work. [15172]
§ Mr. PaiceThere is no change in asylum seekers' eligibility for Government training programmes. They are eligible for training for work or the Government's
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§ Mrs. GillanThe Department and the Welsh Office sent some 1,500 sets of consultation papers to local education authorities, schools, and other organisations. We received only 119 responses, which is less than 8 per cent. of those consulted.
Of local education authorities in England and Wales, fewer than two fifths replied. Among those which did, several supported the principle of non-statutory guidance. In particular, East Sussex and Wandsworth LEAs positively welcomed the proposed deregulation of statutory space requirements.
We have given careful consideration to all the responses and intend to incorporate many of the detailed points raised into the final version of the regulations and the accompanying circular.