§ Paul HolmesTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much his Department and its predecessors have spent on education and training in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [114471]
§ Maria EagleData on expenditure on education and training spent by this Department and its predecessors are available only for the financial years shown in the following table. The figures for 1999–2000 and 2000–01 have been collated from data sources in the former Employment Service and Department of Social Security.
Expenditure (£ million) Percentage of running costs 1999–2000 81.145 3.19 2000–01 90.034 3.68 2001–02 97.319 3.78 The figures include trainee and trainer costs, management and administration overheads, and spend on external training provided through Departmental contracts. Costs for accommodation where Departmental estate has been used are not included. In addition to formal training, people are developed by a variety of other means.
The Department is committed to the principles of Investors in People. It considers the effective investment in training and development essential to equipping its people with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the Government's goals and deliver modern services.