To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues in the Department for Work and Pensions on the effect of withdrawing free English classes for asylum seekers on the level of support such people will need in finding employment once leave to remain has been granted. (125547)

The Home Office was naturally consulted by the Department for Education and Skills on the proposals to vary the Learning and Skills Council’s funding criteria for ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes. While most asylum seekers are not granted leave to remain, we have recently consulted widely on new arrangements to help those who are accepted as refugees to integrate into British life, including acquisition of English language skills and entry into employment.