HC Deb 07 February 2002 vol 379 cc1052-3W
11. Mr. Goodman

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many arrests have been made in connection with fraud of the Government's individual learning accounts scheme. [31411]

John Healey

Forty-four arrests have been made in relation to allegations of fraud with the operation of the individual learning account programme. Twelve people have been charged, one of whom has been convicted.

13. Mr. Chope

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will announce the date on which the scheme to replace individual learning accounts will commence. [31413]

John Healey

We are determined to review thoroughly all aspects of the operation of the ILA scheme. During January and February we are conducting a consultation with providers, learners and other stakeholders. The results will be an important element in developing a successor scheme.

21. Tony Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when she expects to announce a replacement for individual learning accounts. [31421]

John Healey

We are determined to review thoroughly all aspects of the operation of the ILA scheme. During January and February we are conducting a consultation with providers, learners and other stakeholders to take their views. The results will be an important element in developing a successor scheme.

23. Mr. Baron

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what measures she will take to ensure that ILA providers are fully compensated following the closure of the scheme. [31423]

John Healey

The Department has no plans to compensate learning providers in relation to the closure of individual learning accounts.

Mr. Boris Johnson

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether Capita staff at the ILA computer centre have been(a) arrested and (b) investigated by the police in the last six months. [33984]

John Healey

There have been no arrests of Capita staff employed at the ILA centre. On Friday 23 November the Department called in police to investigate serious potential fraud and theft involving individual learning accounts. Details of the continuing investigations are a matter for the police. However, to date no evidence has been found to support any allegations that Capita employees have been involved in the abuse of ILAs.