HC Deb 04 July 2002 vol 388 c482W
16. Gillian Merron

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps she is taking to support links between schools and business. [64411]

Mr. Stephen Twigg

We welcome links between schools and business, which help raise pupils' achievement, motivation and attendance, and prepare them for adult and working life.

We have allocated £25 million this year to fund a range of activities, through local Learning and Skills Councils contracting with Education/Business Links Consortia. These include professional development placements for teachers, work experience and mentoring for young people, and enterprise activities.