§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what progress has been made on the introduction of youth cards. [159816]
§ Mr. Wicks[holding answer 1 May 2001]: Following an extensive procurement exercise conducted under the European Union Procurement Directive's Negotiated Procedure, the Government have selected CAPITA as their preferred bidder to develop and deliver the Connexions Card.
The Connexions Card is an exciting and innovative development, which will provide a powerful incentive to young people to stay in learning.
The Connexions Card will be rolled out initially in one region from autumn of this year and then progressively so that it will be available across England from autumn 2002.