Education: Skills
Debate between Lord Foulkes of Cumnock and Baroness Wilcox
Baroness Wilcox
I am very sorry to hear this. We have just commissioned Peter Little to carry out research and recommend improvements to the accessibility of these apprenticeships. In April we will publish his report and a plan setting out exactly what we will do to improve and to help the situation.
Lord Foulkes of Cumnock
My Lords, since this Question refers to disabilities other than dyslexia, is the Minister aware of the report published today by the Scottish Association for Mental Health about discrimination against people with mental illness in employment? Will she get a copy of it and consider its recommendations and applicability to England and Wales?
Hallmarking
Debate between Lord Foulkes of Cumnock and Baroness Wilcox
Baroness Wilcox
My noble friend has now put that on the record. It has gone into Hansard and I am sure it will be of great value. For your Lordships’ information, the next section being looked at is hospitality. If any of you wish to write in to the Cabinet Office, I am sure it will be delighted to receive that.
Lord Foulkes of Cumnock
If the Government are going to consider any options for changing this, could this House first be given a vote by first past the post?
Baroness Wilcox
I am checking to make sure that I have absolutely the right answer for the noble Lord. At the end of the three months, an independent panel will review the comments received and Ministers will be asked to justify the retention of legislation proposed for repeal. It is fairly straightforward and an open process, which I am sure your Lordships will be interested to hear the results of.
Sheffield Forgemasters
Debate between Lord Foulkes of Cumnock and Baroness Wilcox
Baroness Wilcox
Of course I agree with my noble friend. I say again that Sheffield Forgemasters is an excellent example of a successful British manufacturing company and will, I am sure, continue to be so for a long time to come.
Lord Foulkes of Cumnock
The Minister must agree that the decision to cancel this loan—after all, it was a loan, not a grant—is inexplicable until one realises that it follows a letter to the Government from Mr Andrew Cook, a major Conservative Party donor, who owns two forges in Sheffield. Surely that cannot be a coincidence, can it?
Baroness Wilcox
I assure the noble Lord that the representation from Mr Cook—copies were sent to Clive Betts MP and Angela Smith MP in another place yesterday on their request and will be placed on the BIS website today—had no bearing on the decision-making process. The decision not to pursue the loan was made on grounds of affordability.