Business of the House

Can we have a debate on my early-day motion 317, entitled ““Open university””? [That this House is concerned that the Government’s decision to withdraw funding from institutions for equivalent or lower qualification students will have a disproportionate impact on the part-time sector in general and on specific institutions such as Birkbeck and the Open University; and urges the Government to consider ways in which it can minimise the damage this measure will do to lifelong learning and the delivery of the Leitch agenda objectives.] Given that 177 hon. Members from across the House have signed it, does the Leader of the House accept that there is growing unease in the House about the Government’s decision to withdraw funding for students seeking equivalent and lower qualifications, and the disproportionate impact that that will have on the Open university and similar establishments? How does it square with the Government’s commitment to lifelong learning?