HC Deb 03 April 2003 vol 402 c66WS
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education and Skills (Mr. Ivan Lewis)

We are today publishing the report of a review of the relationship between my Department and Ufi learndirect.

The review was commissioned last year, to consider what form of relationship would best serve the objectives of both the Department and Ufi, and provide the best basis for building on Ufi's achievements to date. The review was undertaken by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and Quentin Thompson. It makes recommendations for a future structure and methods of operating which will clarify the respective roles and funding routes, increase Ufi's ability to manage the quality and effectiveness of its operations, and ensure that Ufi's activities are integrated within the Learning and Skills Council' s planning of further education programmes in each area.

The Secretary of State for Education and Skills, Charles Clarke, has today written to the Chairman of Ufi learndirect, Sir Anthony Greener, enclosing a copy of the report. A copy of the letter and the report have been placed in the House of Commons Library, and are available on the Department's website at http:// www.dfes.gov.uk/az atdex/atoz/.