HC Deb 20 October 2003 vol 411 cc436-7W
Mr. Challen

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what have been the student participation rates in(a) electronic. (b) electrical and (c) combined electronic/electrical engineering courses in the last five years. [131115]

Alan Johnson

The latest available information is in the table.

Margaret Hodge

I have responsibility within the Department for Education and Skills for policy on children, young people and families. The creation of the post of Minister for Children in June brought together within the DfES a number of key responsibilities including some from other Government Departments in order to improve the co-ordination of policy on children, young people and families. From September the title of this post was changed to Minister for Children, Young People and Families.

The accountability arrangements for PSA and supporting targets affected by this change are: The transfer from the Department of Health of the PSA target on improving the life chances for children in care together with work on the adoption of looked after children. Joint ownership of the PSA target on reducing the under 18 conception rate by 50 per cent. by 2010. The Department of Health will retain the PSA target on improving life outcomes for adults and children with mental health problems with DfES having an important role in ensuring input from social care and other services.

I will also retain responsibilities for the Sure Start targets which aim to ensure that accessible and high quality childcare, early education and other services are available for all young children and families.

I will be reviewing all targets and structures are now being established within the Department to ensure that our policy ambitions are delivered in the most cost effective manner.