§ Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how many meetings of the New Local Government Network consultancy group on new models of local education have been held in his Department; [112006]
(2) if he will list the councillors who are members of the New Local Government Network research project on new models of local education; [112007]
(3) on what basis his Department is participating in the New Local Government Network consultancy group on new models of local education; [112008]
(4) what staff, material and other support has been extended by his Department to the New Local Government Network consultancy group (a) in the course of its research project on new models of local education and (b) otherwise; [112009]
(5) how many civil servants are members of the New Local Government Network consultancy group on new models of local education; and on how many occasions they have attended meetings of the group; [112010]
(6) what estimate he has made of the cost to public funds of his Department's participation in the New Local Government Network's consultancy group on new models of local education. [112011]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisOne member of the DfEE's staff agreed to be a member of the group established by the New Local Government Network, and has met a member of the secretariat, but has not so far attended any meetings. This involvement was intended to improve the group's understanding of relevant central Government policy and activity. No meetings of the group have been held in the Department and no staff, material or other support extended to the group or to the Network, so there has been no cost to public funds. One of Her Majesty's Inspectors of Schools is also a member of the group, but has not attended any meetings. The full membership of the group is a matter for the New Local Government Network.