Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Anne Milton and Desmond Swayne

Thursday 7th February 2019 Commons Chamber

[Anne Milton]

I point out to the hon. Lady that we take the advice of the Low Pay Commission on wages for apprentices, and that rate will be going up. I have spoken about the targeted support available, and whenever I meet apprentices I ask them about their wages and how they travel to work. We are very aware of some of the problems faced by those young people, and as I have said, the railcard for 16 and 17-year-olds is available, and colleges have discretionary bursaries to support them.[Official Report, 14 February 2019, Vol. 654, c. 9MC.]

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

T1. If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Anne Milton and Desmond Swayne

Monday 14th May 2018 Commons Chamber

[Anne Milton]

The hon. Lady raises her eyes to the heavens, but this does make a difference. I have seen some extraordinary examples of adult education providers working with local primary schools to make sure that people who need English language skills get the support they need.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

Why did the Minister not proceed with the grants for year 7 catch-up projects?

[Anne Milton]

I will have to write to my right hon. Friend about that. It is an area that falls between my portfolio and that of the School Standards Minister.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Anne Milton and Desmond Swayne

Monday 6th November 2017 Commons Chamber

[Anne Milton]

It is disappointing that the hon. Gentleman expresses dismay about apprenticeships. We need to talk apprenticeships up. There was a 47% increase between February and April 2017. We know there has been a fall in the number of starts, but that was anticipated because we have brought in a brand new system. He is absolutely right that traineeships play an important part in ensuring a path on which young people can travel to get on, but I urge him to speak up for apprenticeships and apprentices and to do everything in his power to encourage employers to take on apprentices.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

5. What comparative assessment she has made of the educational performance of schools in the UK, with (a) Japan and (b) Germany.