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Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill

My Lords, in moving Amendment 204, I also speak to Amendments 205, 209 and 210. As I have reported, I and others have had the opportunity in recent weeks to discuss with the Minister and various officials within the department my ongoing concerns in response to the various amendments tabled in my name. These discussions have proven to be most fruitful and I thank the Minister for the characteristic courtesy and diligence with which he has approached these issues. I am also aware that other discussions have taken place, and continue to do so, between the Bill team and the representatives of Mencap, the Special Educational Consortium, Skill and others who are interested in maximising the opportunities for people with disabilities, including those with a learning disability, to access apprenticeships as a credible and worthwhile pathway to employment and, therefore, full participation in society. Following these negotiations, I understand that government Ministers are minded to table various amendments on Report. I assure the noble Baroness, Lady Howe, that these amendments will obviously be scrutinised on Report. They should meet many of the concerns referred to in the various amendments tabled in my name and those of other noble Lords. Any further assurances that the Minister may be able to make on other matters would be most welcome. I beg to move.