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Further Education and Training Bill [HL]

I thank the Minister for his response to the amendments to which I spoke. The issue really boils down to the point that I made earlier. We recognise the importance of the local partnership teams and the role that they will play. We are pleased that they are there, and we very much hope that they will be active participants in developing local strategies for learning and skills. But the one thing lacking in the Bill is that there is no mention either of local partnership teams or of the need to consult and work in partnership with local authorities. We mentioned that in relation to earlier amendments and it arises again here. Although we agree that the amendments may not be necessary and may be too prescriptive, a broad reference to the need for co-operation between the regional councils and local authorities would enhance the Bill. I am sure that we will come back to these issues at a later stage. For the present, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. [Amendments Nos. 14 to 17 not moved.] Clause 2 agreed to.