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Further Education and Training Bill [HL]

I am most grateful to the Minister for his reply and agree with him that greater use of sector skills councils could address many of the problems mentioned by the noble Baroness, Lady Sharp. If we free colleges up a bit more, they could be far more innovative. We already have a scheme where graduates go into teaching before they go on to their chosen profession. Perhaps employers could spend some time learning what it is like to teach in colleges. I do not know; I simply think that there might be other ways of engaging the business sector. There is no doubt that businesses make an enormous contribution, not only in financial input or expertise but in enthusiasm and experience. The Minister said that sector skills councils played a vital part, but we still feel that they are underutilised and have much more to offer. For that to happen, perhaps we will have to wait for another further education Bill or a new Government. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Clause 3 [Abolition of local councils]: On Question, Whether Clause 3 shall stand part of the Bill?