§ Ms MoranTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how much money has been allocated to provide free Bug-buster courses for small and medium-sized enterprises; [75255]
(2) how many small and medium-sized enterprises have completed Bug-buster training courses; [75256]
(3) how many accredited training providers are offering Bug-buster courses funded by his Department to small and medium-sized enterprises; [75257]
(4) what plans he has for the future funding of the free delivery of Bug-buster courses for small and medium-sized enterprises. [75258]
§ Mr. Mudie£26 million was allocated to provide Bug-buster training courses. As at 5 March, 24,774 people had started training, 22,376 of these had completed, and a further 9,474 had booked places. There are 180 accredited providers offering training under the scheme.
When the free programme ends, training will continue to be available at commercial prices. The average cost per business of a two day Bug-buster course will come to about £750 per trainee, which is a sound investment compared to the potential financial damage posed by the Millennium Bug.
The Government have made a significant investment in developing the courses, establishing the accreditation process and quality assuring the training, and this will continue. Small and medium-sized enterprises can also get help and advice on Year 2000 issues from their local Business Link.