§ Mrs. MayTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what discussions she has had with the TTA on the reduction in the number of designated recommending bodies for the graduate teacher programme; and if she will make a statement. [69863]
§ Mr. MilibandMy right hon. Friend has held no such discussions with the Teacher Training Agency. The agency announced the creation of the first 80 designated recommending bodies on 24 June. There has consequently been no reduction in their number, and at least as many trainees are expected to enter the Graduate Teacher Programme next year as did so in 2001–02.