§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate he has made of the percentage of the budget of training and enterprise councils spent on the enterprise aspect of their work. [33564]
§ Mr. PaiceTraining and enterprise councils play a central role in local economic development by co-ordinating the training and business support activity in their areas. As such, all the programmes they deliver on behalf of the Department contribute to local enterprise.
My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade also controls funds provided to TECs for a range of small business and enterprise activity including the business link initiative.
§ Ms JowellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many TEC board members are women; and what steps she is taking to ensure women play a full part in TEC boards. [32691]
§ Mr. PaiceThere are 139 female board members on English training and enterprise councils. As private companies, the appointment of board members is a matter for TECs. TECs are required to draw up and implement an equal opportunities strategy which relates to all their activities, including membership of the board.