To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what progress he has made in implementing the recommendations of the Bichard inquiry; and if he will make a statement. (143322)

I have been asked to reply.

As the Home Office is coordinating the implementation programme for the Bichard Inquiry’s recommendations. I refer the hon. Member to my written statement of 22 May 2007, which accompanied publication of the Government's 4th Progress Report.

As we reported, good progress has been made in implementing Sir Michael’s Bichard’s Recommendations. 21 of the 31 Recommendations are now substantially delivered and the outstanding projects are going forward under agreed programmes of work to clear milestones.