To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how much his Department has spent on English language classes for staff in the last year for which figures are available. (177435)

The Department does not provide or fund English language classes for staff.

The Department has signed and is committed to the Government Skills Pledge to encourage and support all staff to achieve at least a full level 2 qualification. Some element of this support may in a few cases include supporting the attainment of basic literacy. This is provided via local colleges and incurs no direct cost to the Department.