HC Deb 13 July 2000 vol 353 c660W
Mr. Purchase

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he will announce the appointment of the Chief Executive of the Learning and Skills Council. [130798]

Mr. Wicks

Today, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment has appointed John Harwood as Chief Executive (Designate) of the Learning and Skills Council.

Mr, Harwood is currently Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council. He will bring the vision and breadth of experience that will he needed to set up and lead this important new public body. He brings a great deal of experience from a lifetime in public service, as well as a wide understanding of post-16 learning. Working with the Council's Chair Designate, Bryan Sanderson, he will be able to build a modern, effective organisation.

We aim to announce the Executive Directors of the local Learning and Skills Councils through the summer. A list of the successful candidates will be placed in the House Libraries.