HC Deb 05 February 2002 vol 379 cc884-5W
Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will meet the Chairman for Ceramic Training and Development to discuss options for the ceramics industry in respect of sector skills councils. [32853]

John Healey

I am very pleased that the Chairman for Ceramic Training and Development has shown this level of interest in the development of sector skills councils. I understand that he has already met with an official from my Department to discuss options for the ceramics industry. It is, I believe, appropriate during the development of SSC's or during the negotiation of other arrangements, that contact remains between officials and potential SSC members. I have asked officials to continue the dialogue with the ceramics industry and look forward to receiving a report on the progress in due course.