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Further Education and Training Bill [HL]

I am very grateful to the Minister for his response. Before responding directly, I should like to make clear that the Liberal Democrats do not support the amendments of the noble Viscount, Lord Eccles, as we do not wish to return to the 47 local learning and skills councils. We have long argued that it would be preferable for the Learning and Skills Council to have a regional organisation. We see that regional organisation being concerned with the broader strategic issues, whereas delivery looks to the local labour markets and to the local partnerships with local authorities. I am grateful to the Minister for expanding a little on the local partnership teams. They are extremely important and provide the key area of co-operation at that level. The one thing we are a little unhappy about is that there is no reference in the Bill to that linking together with local partnerships teams. In the Local Government Act 2000, the Children Act 2004 and the Education and Inspections Act, which we passed last year, there is specific reference to co-operation between the LSC and other bodies. These Benches feel that the Bill would be enhanced if it made some mention of the need for the LSC at a regional level to co-operate with its local partners. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Clause 2 [Regional councils]: [Amendments Nos. 5 and 6 not moved.]