Dyslexia

Lord Young of Norwood Green Excerpts

Monday 18th July 2011 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Wilcox]

As the noble Lord will know, the education Bill is currently going through the other House and will introduce many things. When it completes its passage a duty will, I hope, be placed on schools to make sure that there is good independent advice, particularly on careers. However, we are carefully monitoring the position at the earlier ages to make sure that all our children have equal opportunities. We really aspire to equal opportunities in this matter as well.

[Lord Young of Norwood Green]

My Lords, I recognise what the Government are doing in relation to this particular problem. However, there is a huge demand for apprenticeships generally and for apprenticeships for people with disabilities specifically. Does the Minister agree that it might help if the Government stipulate the need for apprenticeships when they let procurement contracts, placing a special emphasis on those with disabilities? Should they not act similarly in relation to government departments?

[Baroness Wilcox]

I was very interested to hear the noble Lord’s suggestion. I wonder why he did not do it when his people were in government.

[Lord Young of Norwood Green]

We did.

[Baroness Wilcox]

You did, did you? Okay, then I have no doubt that we are carrying it forward, as we do with many of the things that you did. What support is available for disabled apprentices? Additional funding is available, and we are taking forward the work that you were doing in the past. I am sorry, that was cheeky.