Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Hayes and Simon Kirby

Monday 16th April 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hayes]

The hon. Lady will know that I know Nottingham very well, having been a county councillor there for 13 years, and I am well aware of the economic profile of that city. I am also sure she will be aware that, together with the Minister for cities, my right hon. Friend the Member for Tunbridge Wells (Greg Clark), I launched a new initiative in Nottingham—city apprenticeship hubs, which combine the work of local authorities with the work of the private sector and the work of government to boost apprenticeships in just the way she describes.

[Simon Kirby (Brighton, Kemptown) (Con)]

Does the Minister agree that when it comes to apprenticeships, it is not only the quantity that is important, but also the quality?

[Mr Hayes]

Absolutely, and that is why this Government have placed unprecedented emphasis on quality. I repeat—for the sake of clarity, Mr Speaker; no more than that—that we have said that all apprenticeships should be on an employed basis. The last Government did not do that. They believed in programme-led apprenticeships —faux apprenticeships from a faux Government.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Hayes and Simon Kirby

Thursday 9th June 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hayes]

I will be more than happy to look into that matter on behalf of the Secretary of State. It is absolutely right that that where there are barriers of the kind that I mentioned a moment ago, we identify and overcome them. I would be happy to talk to the hon. Lady on that basis.

[Simon Kirby (Brighton, Kemptown) (Con)]

3. How many jobs in low-carbon industries he expects to be created by the actions of the green investment bank.