To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the Welsh Assembly Government on the use of the additional funding provided by the Department for Children, Schools and Families for (a) Connexions services and (b) the Youth Opportunity and Youth Capital Funds; and if he will make a statement. (187843)

I have regular discussions with colleagues in the Welsh Assembly Government on all issues concerning education, including the provision of skills and opportunities for young people.

Connexions services are for England only. In Wales, Careers Wales, an independent organisation funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, provides this service. It has six local delivery companies providing a comprehensive careers advice and guidance service to people of all ages, operating across the Welsh regions. Similarly, the Youth Opportunity and Youth Capital Funds programmes also apply to England only. Youth service in Wales is provided through the Welsh Assembly Government via the National Youth Service Strategy, published in March last year.