HC Deb 19 October 1998 vol 317 cc1008-9W
Mr. Chaytor

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidance he has issued to TECs and chambers of commerce about future applications for mergers; and if he will make a statement. [55151]

Mr. Mudie

The Government have announced that they will not be taking any further decisions on applications to merge from the TECs and Chambers of Commerce, until they have completed their consultation on the future rule of Training and Enterprise Councils and had time to consider the outcome. The only exceptions were those applications that had been formally received by Government for approval at the time this moratorium was announced.

Mr. Chaytor

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the number of applications for mergers by TECs and chambers of commerce(a) received, (b) approved, (c) rejected and (d) awaiting ministerial approval to date. [55152]

Mr. Mudie

The Government have received a total of 18 applications to merge from TECs and Chambers of Commerce of which two have been withdrawn by the merger partners; 16 merger applications have been approved; no merger applications have been rejected; and no merger applications are currently awaiting ministerial approval.