§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what factors underlay his decision not to produce a White Paper on lifelong learning; and if he will make a statement. [29525]
§ Dr. HowellsMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has always intended to consult widely on our proposals for lifelong learning. As he plans to publish separate documents responding to the reports from the Committee of Inquiry into Higher Education and the Further Education Funding Council's Widening Participation Committee, my right hon. Friend intends to publish, on 25 February, the Government's proposals on lifelong learning in the form of a consultation document.