A Bradford Council training centre has been suspended by a major examinations board.

The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry is understood to be scrutinising about 40 National Vocational Qualifications awarded by the Council since 1996.

It could find that some students should not have received them.

The Council confirmed in an exclusive report in later editions of yesterday's Telegraph & Argus that it was carrying out a management probe into the issue. The LCCB said today it was also conducting its own full-scale investigation.

About 200 students a year attend the courses at the Council offices at Metrochange House in Bradford city centre.

The Council receives funding from Bradford TEC to do the NVQ courses, which are mainly in business administration.

The authority is expected by the TEC to meet targets and the Government - in turn - has made it clear it expects value for money for the £15 million funding the TEC receives from training.

Full reports would have to be made both to the TEC and Government on serious issues because of the use of public funds. The Government has the power to claw back grants.

The suspension means the Council can no longer award the LCCB NVQ qualifications, although a Council spokesman said training courses were continuing.

Staff are being interviewed as part of the Council's own internal inquiry and a spokesman said they were trying to minimise disruption.

It is understood the inquiries have been launched following a complaint to the Sheffield-based Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, which sets exam standards, and the Council's internal auditors.

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