HC Deb 13 January 2000 vol 342 cc223-4W
Mr. Peter Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received from industry concerning the role of higher and further education colleges in the teaching of English as a foreign language. [104440]

Mr. Wicks

We have received representations from private training providers.

Mr. Peter Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what discussions he has had regarding the role of further and higher education colleges in the teaching of English as a foreign language. [104441]

Mr. Wicks

My Department holds discussions as appropriate on this issue. For example, we have been closely involved with the Further Education Funding Council's review of English as a Foreign Language courses.

Mr. Peter Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to involve institutions engaged in the teaching of English as a foreign language in reforms of higher and further education. [104443]

Mr. Wicks

In any reforms of further and higher education, we always welcome the views of institutions engaged in teaching English as a foreign language.

Mr. Peter Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what discussions he has had with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office regarding the role of the British Council in the teaching of English as a foreign language. [104442]

Mr. Wicks

The Department holds discussions periodically with the British Council about its role in promoting the learning of English as a foreign language.