To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what the timetable is for the conclusion of the final stage of contract negotiations on the formation of the South West Institute of Technology.

The South West Institute of Technology (IoT) will be one of 12 new IoT’s backed by £170 million of government capital funding. Following the IoT competition, the department’s officials are working closely with the South West IoT to ensure that the key aspects of their proposal are converted into legally binding commitments, and that all outstanding issues are resolved. This is an important final step in the process and the department is keen to conclude it as soon as is practicable.