§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what contribution he has made to the review by Sir Ron Dearing of qualifications for 16 to 19-year-olds; and if he will place it in the Library. [20284]
645W
§ Mr. AncramApart from setting his remit, the Government have made no input to Sir Ron Dearing's consideration of the issues: that is a matter for him as he considers appropriate. Schools, colleges, training organisations and employers in Northern Ireland were, however, consulted on the same basis as other regions of England and Wales as part of Sir Ron's national consultation exercise, and in that context my officials offered some informal comments. The Government will respond formally when Sir Ron presents his report later this month.