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Further Education and Training Bill [HL]

Unfortunately, my noble friend Lord Low has had to leave, but I know that he wanted to speak on Clause 6 stand part. Perhaps I may add a brief word in favour of the amendments. They give me an opportunity to ask whether the provision would include transport where necessary. I was rather cheered by the extracts that the Minister read from the LSC’s annual statement of priorities in relation to Amendment No. 12 in response to the noble Baroness, Lady Walmsley. However splendid and numerous the courses for adult disabled learners may be, they will be of little use if disabled learners cannot get to them. I look forward to the Minister's reply and I hope that it will be encouraging. As he is aware, because he offered to meet us, the noble Baronesses, Lady Sharp and Lady Walmsley, and I, together with officials from Skill—I do not think that there is any need to declare that I am the president of Skill as I am not giving its views, although I am sure that they will be very useful at the meeting—are shortly to meet the Minister’s officials to discuss the whole issue.