To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills which Bills in policy areas for which his Department is responsible introduced in the last five years contained sunset clauses; and what plans he has for the future use of such clauses. (151831)

In policy areas for which the Department is responsible, there have been no Bills introduced in the last five years which have contained sunset clauses. The appropriateness of a sunset clause for the whole or part of any proposed legislation is considered on a case by case basis. It is also addressed when a regulatory impact assessment relating to legislation is being prepared.

To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills which Bills introduced by his Department and its predecessors in areas within his Department's responsibility in the last five years did not contain sunset clauses; and if he will make a statement. (152496)

The following Bills introduced by the Department and its predecessors in areas within the Department's responsibility in the last five years have not contained sunset clauses:

The Higher Education Act 2004

The Patents Act 2004

The Further Education and Training Bill