To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what mechanisms are in place to prevent conflict of interest between sector skills councils and awarding bodies. (100529)

The Sector Skills Development Agency has set up a task group to provide a forum to address any issues of concern between the Federation of Awarding Bodies and the Sector Skills Councils. The group met on 31 October to discuss productive working relationships and to address issues of concern. The group have committed to identifying good practice models to ensure that skill needs can be met effectively through vocational learning and qualifications.

In addition, Sector Skills Councils lead the Diploma Development Partnerships which have been established to specify the content of the new Specialised Diplomas. Awarding bodies are working closely with the Partnerships to develop qualifications to meet the Diploma specifications.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what discussions he has had with his colleagues in the Department for Trade and Industry on the future of centres for vocational education. (100623)

Officials from the Department for Trade and Industry have been invited to sit on the Steering Group for the development of the New Standard for Employer Responsiveness. I envisage that in future, and over time, all Centres of Vocational Excellence will need to meet this new standard.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the expected cost is to his Department of funding centres for vocational education over the next three years. (100626)

This is a matter for the Learning and Skills Council as they lead on the delivery of Centres for Vocational Excellence (CoVE). Mark Haysom, chief executive of the Learning and Skills Council, will write directly to the hon. Member with the information on the costs of funding CoVEs over the next three years.