To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the role and function of the national providers unit; and what assistance it is giving to the printing industry.

The TECs and national providers unit within the Department provides a brokerage and administrative service to facilitate contracting between TECs and national providers where both parties wish. These services comprise:

• standardised contracting arrangements;
• a unified claims and payment service;
• centralised collection and dissemination of management information;
• assistance to TECs with financial appraisal and monitoring; and
• co-ordination on quality development.