§ Lord Woolmer of Leedsasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will announce their plans for the location of the local arms of the Learning and Skills Council. [HL1278]
§ The Minister of State, Department for Education and Employment (Baroness Blackstone)I announced in October 1999 the boundaries of the 47 local arms of the Learning and Skills Council. I am today announcing, subject to the passage of the legislation to set up the Learning and Skills Council, the location of the offices of the local councils. In reaching decisions, I have taken account of the need to get best value for public money by using, where appropriate, premises currently occupied by Training and Enterprise Councils, and of the need for locations that will facilitate effective operations of the LSC.
The announcement relates to England only. Letters giving details have today been sent to all MPs with English constituencies, the contents of which have been placed in the Library.