HC Deb 20 January 2000 vol 342 cc536-7W
16. Mr. Miller

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what role will be played by business on the Learning and Skills Council. [103691]

Mr. Wicks

As the LSC Prospectus published before Christmas says, business will have a key role in the new Learning and Skills Council. We intend that at least 40 per cent. of the new Council's members will come from the private sector, and we will be looking to people with business experience to chair the national and most local Councils. In addition, the LSC's local arms will work closely with the new Small Business Service on workforce development.

Mr. Love

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on his plans for the Learning and Skills Council. [103713]

Mr. Wicks

On December 14 my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment published a detailed Prospectus for the LSC. Subject to the passage of the Learning and Skills Bill, we expect the Learning and Skills Council to be in full operation from April 2001.