10:30 am
Stephen Williams (Bristol West, Liberal Democrat)
I can see that there is some logic in a separation at 19, partly because of the change in the machinery of government—the two Secretaries of State—and the creation of the 14-to-19 stage and diplomas. The role of further education colleges is changing; they help to deliver apprenticeships and other adult learning courses, and will increasingly be the vehicle for the expansion of higher education, foundation degrees, part-time learning and so on. Did you not consider an all-embracing adult education service or quango to oversee that area?