Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill

My Lords, the noble Baroness rises to speak slightly too quickly for me. I had hoped that the safeguards we were proposing would provide the comfort that the House was looking for. However, having listened to the arguments, I am content to bring back at Third Reading an amendment that would require any determinations to be subject to parliamentary approval through the affirmative resolution process. The noble Baroness, Lady Walmsley, has convinced me that a determination needs to be debated in Parliament. I listened with interest to the alternative arguments put forward by the noble Baroness, Lady O’Neill, whose contributions to these debates on this clause have been most incisive and thought-provoking for me and for others, but on balance I am persuaded that the affirmative resolution procedure is reasonable and reflects Parliament’s oversight. My note says "oversight of Ofqual", but I think it is actually oversight of the Secretary of State that the noble Baroness, Lady Walmsley, is looking for. I commit to continue working with noble Lords to ensure that there are no surprises for Third Reading—I shall do my very best—and that all those around the House can be comfortable with what we bring forward.