Learning and Skills Bill [Lords] — Provision of Financial Resources — 27 Jun 2000

(a) commencing studies in those subjects; and

(b) completing studies in those subjects

with particular reference to the gender of students.'.-- [Mr. Willis.]

Brought up, and read the First time.

I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.

Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Michael J. Martin):

With this, it will be convenient to discuss the following: New clause 10-- London Learning and Skills Co-ordinating Committee --

A co-ordinating body would make a great improvement to the provision of post-compulsory education and training in the city under the LSC. As things stand at present London will be divided arbitrarily into five areas whose boundaries defy the fact that the capital is a single labour market and also one travel-to-work and travel-to-study area. Although they bear no relation to reality, the

boundaries--once established--will begin to acquire the status of fiefdoms. Local council members and executive directors will soon believe that they know what is best for the individuals and firms in their own geographical patches, and begin to act without reference to either their population's wider interests or the greater interests of London as a whole.

At the very time when we have gained a body, in the form of the GLA, to look after the strategic interests of London, the Government intends to remove both the overarching powers and duties of the FEFC's regional office and the co-ordinating influence of the London TEC Council. We will now have to rely on a head office in Coventry to determine a framework for collecting and analysing information, for agreeing priorities and for bringing together plans. It would be much better to fulfil these functions regionally.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn .

I beg to move amendment No. 87, in page 4, line 24, at end add--

'(4) Any funding by the Council of provision of education and training under this Act (whether direct or indirect) shall be in accordance with the arrangements and formula contained in any order made under subsection (1) of section ( Free Schools ).'.

It being Ten o'clock further consideration of the Bill stood adjourned.

Motion made, and Question put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business),

That, at this day's sitting, the Learning and Skills Bill [Lords] may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour.-- [Mr. Betts.]

Question agreed to.

As amended in the Standing Committee, again considered.

Question again proposed, That the amendment be made.

All state schools will be set free of local education authority control and will effectively be given grant-maintained status, says David Blunkett, the Education Secretary.

Question put , That the amendment be made:--

The House divided: Ayes 122, Noes 323.

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