Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill

My Lords, these amendments all address transport provision, particularly as regards those with learning difficulties. It seems that their main purpose is to facilitate the attendance of those receiving education at institutions and to ensure that local authorities follow through on the responsibilities they are given in regulations and guidance—matters which I am sure the Minister will assure us are now thoroughly tied down. However, I am not entirely sure that all Members of the Committee have had time to consider carefully the letters that the Minister has sent. I think it would be helpful if, in her response, she could be a bit more detailed regarding the assurances that she is giving. I thank her for carefully considering the concerns of the noble Lord, Lord Low, and others. It is right that the Government extend the new measures concerning complaints to young people between 19 and 24 with learning difficulties and disabilities. There are a number of amendments in this group proposed by the noble Lord, Lord Low, the noble Baroness, Lady Garden, and my noble friend Lord Lucas. They have made their cases and I shall cut short my remarks for the moment, save to take this opportunity to say that I am grateful to the Minister for her letter—which I think is one of several but I saw it only this morning—on the provisions in Clause 54 concerning sixth-form transport complaints. It would be helpful to understand whether any incremental cost is involved over the status quo and, if so, how that will be funded.