Big Society: Britain in Bloom

Baroness McIntosh of Hudnall Excerpts

Wednesday 9th March 2011 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Hanham]

Of course, my Lords.

[Baroness McIntosh of Hudnall]

My Lords, I am sure that the Minister is aware of the excellent work done by the Royal Horticultural Society and others in education and schools. Does she agree that, for example, the value of learning about the connection between what we eat and how it is produced is extremely important in the way in which children are educated? Will she pass on to her colleagues in the Department for Education my hope—which I hope is shared by other Members of this House—that any reorganisation and cuts in education will not fail to take account of the importance of that work?

[Baroness Hanham]

My Lords, I am willing for messages to be heard and I am sure that my colleagues in the Department for Education will hear what has been said. However, I do agree that the training schemes that help people into jobs around horticulture are to be encouraged.