Clause 18
Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill
10:00 am
John Hayes (Shadow Minister, Innovation, Universities and Skills; South Holland and The Deepings, Conservative)
As the Minister said, the amendment seeks to correct a muddled clause, but it may take us from a muddle to a mire; I will explain the reasons for that, and I am sure that the Minister will comment on the issue himself. The amendment does little to answer the central question, namely, in what precise circumstances would Welsh Ministers need to withdraw recognition? Clause 16(1)(a) states that, for an apprenticeship framework to be issued, there must be an issuing authority. If that is the case, why would Welsh Ministers ever need to withdraw recognition of a framework, as they are allowed to do in clause 17(2)(b)? That is inconsistent. In what circumstances would Welsh Ministers become the issuing authority and withdraw recognition? Is this not another example of a measure that disempowers issuing authorities as much as it empowers them, and consequently disempowers employers, educators and learners? Whether they be Welsh or otherwise, why would Ministers ever want to act in that way? If the Minister can give a persuasive explanation, we will listen and respond in the same spirit.