---

Further and Higher Education (Employer Engagement)

: It is clear that, if what one might describe as stepping-stone provision—the courses that get someone into the education and training system and lead to a level 2 qualification, which is the equivalent of 5 GCSEs—is properly mapped against the national framework, it receives funding. As to the group to which the hon. Gentleman refers, one of the most radical and justifiable initiatives that we are undertaking is the national roll-out, from 1 April, of the national employer training programme, or train2gain. It is incredibly radical and positive. For the first time in this country, adults in the workplace are being told that if they do not have their full level 2 qualification, the state, through a broker, will step in and provide the training either in a college or through another training provider. That is the right thing to do. I want to throw back the Opposition's criticisms to them. We are increasing funding to the further education sector by far more than was achieved under the Conservative Government. If the hon. Gentleman does not think that we are handling the matter correctly, where would he make cuts? Where in the increased budget does he propose that we should make cuts to fund the provision that he wants in particular areas? Unless he is prepared to answer that question honestly and openly, his approach will lack credibility.