Clause 47
4:45 pm
John Hayes (Shadow Minister, Innovation, Universities and Skills; South Holland and The Deepings, Conservative)
Again, I have no doubt about the willingness to consult. The Bill is a move from the Stalinist, Soviet Russian view of the world that was embodied in the Learning and Skills Council to Byzantium. As I said this morning, at least a Soviet approach brings a certain predictability and consistency. Byzantium was an altogether different affair and it is made real in these provisions with a multiplicity of local authorities dealing with some of the most challenged young people. As a Parliament and as a civilised society, we have a profound responsibility for those young people. They deserve a better deal, a fairer chance and greater opportunity.
My amendments seek to create a more straightforward system by giving those responsibilities to a single agency. This is not an open and shut case. The hon. Member for Mid-Dorset and North Poole is right that something about local responsiveness is attractive. I mentioned earlier that we are advocates of local government so you, Mr. Chope, and Committee members have experience in that regard. As such, we always want local authorities to play an important role in these matters. However, I am not sure that we should hand them the competence for this matter when there are real doubts about their capacity to deal with it, although there are few doubts about their willingness.
I have amplified many of the questions that have been put by a series of third parties. They are of such significance that I am inclined to divide the Committee on amendment 127 to put them on the record. If passed, these matters would be passed to the YPLA rather than to local authorities. That is not because I do not believe in the good will of local government but because I believe in these young people and their futures and I want the best for them.