HC Deb 10 April 2000 vol 348 c47W
Mr. Pearson

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to allow private companies to offer foundation degree courses; and if he will make a statement. [117347]

Mr. Wicks

In February, the Department issued a consultation paper setting out the Government's proposals on Foundation Degrees. It is our intention that these are degrees and therefore should be awarded only by institutions with degree awarding powers. However, employer involvement in both the design and delivery of Foundation Degree programmes will be critical. In particular, we expect prototype courses to be delivered by consortia which will include employer representation.