§ Mr. WoodwardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what functions of Training and Enterprise Councils will be taken over by the Regional Development Agencies when TECs are abolished. [91502]
§ Mr. MealeRegional Development Agencies (RDAs) will not be taking over any of the functions currently performed by TECs. From April 2001, the Learning and Skills Council for England will assume responsibility from TECs for funding Modern Apprenticeships, National Traineeships and other government-funded training for young people and workforce development. RDAs will work closely with the Learning and Skills Councils at local and national levels. The Learning and Skills Council will be responsible for setting a national post-16 Learning and Skills Strategy which will draw on and support the RDAs' regional strategies and skills action plans. RDAs will be represented on the boards of the national and local Learning and Skills Councils.
§ Mr. WoodwardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the Regional Development Agencies will determine the boundaries of local Learning and Skills Councils; and whom they must consult beforehand. [91503]
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§ Mr. MealeRegional Development Agencies (RDAs) will advise Government, by 30 September, on the boundaries for the local Learning and Skills Councils and the local outlets of the Small Business Service after consulting their public and private sector partners.
§ Mr. WoodwardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Civil Service code of conduct applies to employees of Regional Development Agencies. [91514]
§ Mr. MealeNo. Regional Development Agencies are required to have in place a code of guidance for staff based on the "Model Code for Staff of Executive Non-Departmental Public Bodies", produced by the Cabinet Office.