Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill

My Lords, I am most grateful to the Minister for her reply and for the comments of all other noble Lords. I first address Amendment 227, which would insert "the timeliness objective". I thank the noble Baronesses, Lady Perry and Lady O’Neill, for their support on this point. In her reply, the Minister appeared to be concerned that, if we were to put this into the Bill, Ofqual would be forced to do something either at a particular time or at a particular speed—faster or slower. I do not agree with her interpretation of the meaning of timeliness; to me, it predicates not a particular time but an appropriate time. That is, we are not saying "in time" or at any particular time. When something is timely, the timing is appropriate. It may be done quickly or it may be done slowly—but if it is timely, it is right and appropriate. I see that the Minister has a thoughtful expression on her face. Perhaps we can discuss this interpretation of "timeliness" between now and Report, because I would have to dispute her interpretation of its meaning. To me, there is no confusion about it, as it is absolutely clear. That is the meaning of timeliness and her argument falls if she accepts that definition. On Amendment 232A, perhaps I did not explain what I meant by inserting what I aim to insert into the public confidence objective. I did not mean that Ofqual should carry out that objective at all times; I meant that the objective should be carried out so that the public would have confidence in standards being consistent over time. Perhaps the Minister misunderstood what I am looking for under that amendment and perhaps we should discuss it outside the Chamber and come back to it, if I am not satisfied with her explanation. I think that I have to accept that learners are in the Bill. The reassurances from the Minister at the Dispatch Box carry weight in that respect. I thank the noble Lord, Lord Sutherland, for his support for Amendment 254 and the power to make transitional arrangements. However, I take the Minister’s point about Ofqual’s power to make those arrangements, when she said that it could not fail to make such arrangements if it were to the disadvantage of learners not to do so. On that basis, I am encouraged that we can leave it to the good sense of Ofqual to make transitional arrangements in situations where learners need that to be done. Therefore, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment 227 withdrawn.