§ John MannTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of whether there are sufficient resources in the Standards Fund for 2002–03 to improve the provider infrastructure for work-based learning. [53097]
§ Margaret HodgeWe have increased standards funding from £160 million in 2001–02 to £185 million in 2002–03. We have also ensured that work-based learning providers have access to the new Learning and Skills Standards Fund from April 2002. Local LSCs will allocate standards funding to providers based on individual need and national and local priorities and targets. An evaluation of the impact of the new Fund's operation, including provision for work-based learning, is planned to start in the Autumn of 2002.