---

Further Education and Training Bill [Lords]

That is an absolutely crucial point, which is why, in this part of the Bill, we are including the provision to form and invest in any type of company in the provision of education and training. Other measures throughout the Bill are particularly and precisely aimed at flexibility and the need to respond to changes. My hon. Friend is absolutely right: with the challenges of globalisation, we cannot set out something now based on what we believe the situation will be in 10, 15 or 20 years’ time. Even in terms of Lord Leitch’s report, we have to have the flexibility to change and adapt. A further duty will be placed on the LSC to implement the skills and training strategies developed by other organisations, at the Secretary of State’s request. In particular, the London skills and employment board will be created—chaired by the Mayor of London—and an adult skills strategy will be developed and implemented by the LSC. That does not change the LSC’s obligation to comply with existing duties, unless I or my successors give express permission for the LSC not to implement a particular strategy. The clauses in the second part of the Bill relate to further education institutions themselves. One of the most striking reforms—it is mildly controversial—will enable the Privy Council to grant FE institutions the power to award their own foundation degrees, which must currently be validated by a university.