§ Gillian MerronTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to ensure the creation of a sector skills council for the sport and fitness industry. [37099]
§ John HealeyMy Department is looking to employers to bring forward proposals for sectors that meet the Sector Skills Council (SSC) licensing standard and make sense to their industries. An expression of interest by employers to form an SSC in any sector will be considered by the Sector Skills Development Agency when it is made. If the expression of interest meets initial criteria then a period of up to six months will be agreed to develop a full SSC proposal. If this is successful an SSC licence will be issued. A Business Adviser has been allocated to advise employers in the sport and recreation sector on the preparation of an expression of interest.