To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how many official meetings the Minister for Skills has had with the Chief Executive of the Learning and Skills Council in the last 18 months; and if he will make a statement. (269961)

Both the previous Minister for Skills and I have had regular meetings with the chief executive of the Learning and Skills Council over the past 18 months. As part of the overall accountability framework that includes formal quarterly review meetings on LSC performance, the most recent of which took place on 16 March 2009. We also meet on a regular and frequent basis to discuss a wide range of FE policy and implementation issues.