HC Deb 15 January 1996 vol 269 cc471-2W
Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment in which areas the establishment of the primary literacy and numeracy centres link will relate to the activities of (a) universities and (b) colleges. [8878]

Mr. Robin Squire

In selecting local education authorities to take part in the initiative, one of the criteria against which applications will be assessed is the quality of proposals for involving other partners, including higher education and the private sector, in supporting and extending the work.

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what existing resources will be drawn on in the establishment of the primary literacy and numeracy centres. [8927]

Mr. Squire

A new grant for educational support and training specific grant will provide for £5 million of expenditure in 1996–97. The Department wrote to all local education authorities on 5 January inviting them to participate. That letter gives further details of how the project will be expected to link into current work in LEAs and draw upon work being carried out by other partners in the project, including Ofsted, the Basic Skills Agency, the Teacher Training Agency and the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority. A copy of the letter has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses and I will arrange for a copy to be sent to the hon. Member.