§ Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make a statement on the work of the Business Development Unit; and what her estimate is of the financial value of sponsorship and other support they have secured. [53741]
§ Mr. TimmsThe Business Development Unit has, since its establishment in January 2001, managed and developed the Department's relationships with appropriate key business partners, promoting their understanding of and responses to our educational policies; and to date secured sponsorship of over £7.3 million in cash and in kind from businesses in support of national projects for the schools sector.