§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many university students his Department and associated agencies has supported or sponsored with a work placement in the last year; what his policy is on work placements; what plans he has to develop such schemes; and what his policy is on paying their university fees. [98540]
§ Mr. LeslieThe Office of the Deputy Prime Minister accommodated five undergraduates in 2002 through summer placement schemes organised by the Cabinet Office (three), Windsor Fellowship (one), and Workable (one).
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is keen to participate in work placements for undergraduates and has an ongoing programme. We have ten placements allocated this summer for undergraduates. The office does not pay the university fees of its summer placements.