§ Dr. HarrisTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consultations took place with the UK training industry prior to the decision to remove Vocational Training Relief from April 2000. [86284]
§ Mr. MilburnVocational Training Relief will be abolished in 2000. The incentives announced for Individual Learning Accounts will provide a better means of targeting support from public funds, so that in future more help will go to those who have the greatest need to improve their skills and qualifications.
The Department for Education and Employment has been discussing the details of Individual Learning Accounts with interested parties, including training providers for many months.
§ Dr. HarrisTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the suitability of individual learning accounts as a replacement for Vocational Training Relief. [86285]
§ Mr. MilburnIndividual Learning Accounts will promote lifelong learning and encourage individuals to take responsibility for their own training and development. The incentives announced for Individual Learning Accounts provide a better means of targeting support from public funds than Vocational Training Relief. In future more help will go to those who have the greatest need to improve their skills and qualifications, rather than subsidising expensive activities which, though they may be vocational for a few, are for the most part undertaken as hobbies.