Written question asked by Baroness Walmsley (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Morgan of Drefelin (Labour) on Monday, 25 January 2010.

Ofqual

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government when Ofqual will be established; and what was the legal authority for making the Chief Regulator of Qualifications and Examinations Order 2009 (SI 2009/3208).

Answer: Our intention is to commence the provisions in the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 which establishes Ofqual on 1 April 2010. Her Majesty the Queen, on the advice of the Privy Council, has by order appointed Kathleen Tattersall OBE as the first Chief Regulator of Qualifications and Examinations from that date. The order, dated 9 December 2009, was made under paragraph 2(1) of Schedule 9 to the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009. Section 13 of the Interpretation Act 1978 allows statutory powers of appointment to be exercised before the commencement of the provision under which the appointment is made.

Secondary information