Written question asked by Ian Pearson (Labour) on Wednesday, 29 March 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 April 2000. It was answered by Malcolm Wicks (Labour) on Monday, 10 April 2000 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, what plans he has to allow private companies to offer foundation degree courses; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Pearson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to allow private companies to offer foundation degree courses; and if he will make a statement. [117347] Mr. Wicks: In February. The Department issued a consultation paper setting out the Government's proposals on Foundation Degrees. It is our intention that these are degrees and therefore should be awarded only by institutions with degree awarding powers. However, employer involvement in both the design and delivery of Foundation Degree programmes will be critical. In particular, we expect prototype courses to be delivered by consortia which will include employer representation.

Secondary information