asked Her Majesty's Government:

What consideration they have given to locating one of the proposed new enterprise academies in the north-east of England. [HL6160]

The national enterprise academy (NEA) is looking to develop its first operational centre (hub) in the south-east, with satellite centres across the other English regions. The south-east hub and a satellite centre in the north-west are both scheduled to open to students in September 2009. In its third year of operation, the academy plans a rapid expansion to the other seven regions in England.

It is not for Government to determine the precise location of national skills academies, but all are expected to have a national reach. National skills academies are employer-led organisations and the boards of each academy will decide how best to meet the needs of employers within each region. This will include whether the region should have a physical centre, virtual or mobile facility.