§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what plans she has to create a sector skills council for the voluntary sector [74638]
§ Mr. Ivan Lewis[holding answer 15 October 2002]: The Sector Skills Development Agency is responsible for discussing and assessing proposals for Sector Skills Councils made by employers. The Agency then advises government about the award of a Sector Skills Council licence having fully considered the strength of the proposal in meeting the rigorous Sector Skills Council standard. Discussions are currently taking place between voluntary sector representatives and the Agency about the prospect of a strong proposal for a Sector Skills Council or what alternative arrangements might better serve this broad sector.