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Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill

I thank all noble Lords for their contributions. The contribution of the noble Lord, Lord Ramsbotham, was, as always, particularly helpful to extending our understanding of what really happens in all of this. I am grateful also to the noble Earl, Lord Listowel, and the noble Baroness, Lady Howe, for their support. I particularly thank the noble Baroness, Lady Walmsley. Her comments about added value really are what this is all about. The Minister suggested that this was an exploration. That suggests to me that he does not appreciate the seriousness with which we make this point. We feel that we will not get anywhere without an assessment at the beginning and an assessment at the end of sentencing. We feel very strongly about this and perhaps it might strengthen the Minister’s arm in his internal discussions if, despite the lateness of the hour, we were to test the opinion of the Committee. Division on Amendment 124B Contents 42; Not-Contents 34. [The result of this Division was wrongly announced in the Chamber as 35 Contents, 34 Not-Contents.] Amendment 124B agreed.