Education: Conservatoires

Lord Geddes Excerpts

Wednesday 10th October 2012 Lords Chamber

[Lord Geddes]

My Lords, I declare an interest as honorary life president of Trinity College London, the international examination board and an affiliate of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, for which I was for some years deputy chairman. I congratulate the noble Lord, Lord Lipsey, on his accession to the chairmanship.

I, too, will highlight the particular contribution of international students to our thriving conservatoire sector. On graduating from our conservatoires, they return to prominent positions in their home countries as powerful advocates for British cultural and democratic values. They go on to form alliances with UK arts and educational organisations that bring substantial artistic, economic and diplomatic benefits.

We should note the significant financial investment of overseas students in our economy and higher education sector, approaching £11 million per year in direct fee payments to their conservatoires, equating to 11% of the total annual conservatoire income. Those funds are critical in maintaining the outstanding facilities and teaching provision on offer to all our conservatoire students, UK and international alike.

The noble Lords, Lord Low of Dalston and Lord Wills, have already outlined the problems of the replacement of the Tier 1 immigration route with Tier 2, so I will not go through that again, but it is an important issue. It is essential that the UK Border Agency applies its regulations for renewing highly trusted sponsor status with sensitivity to the characteristics of small and specialist institutions. Conservatoire study in the UK requires major financial and personal investment from international students and years of preparation to reach the standard for entry. Virtually 100% of students go on to complete their courses successfully. There is no plausible risk here of illegal immigration. A proportionate regulatory regime must be followed that does not damage our world-class institutions, nor send a message that ambitious and gifted students are unwelcome.

Welfare Reform Bill

Lord Geddes Excerpts

Wednesday 14th December 2011 Lords Chamber

[The Deputy Speaker (Lord Geddes)]

My Lords, since this is a manuscript amendment, it might be of assistance to the House if I read it.

“In Clause 11, line 3, after ‘provider of social housing’ insert ‘, and no suitable alternative accommodation (as defined in regulations to be made under this section, and provided by any such provider) is available’”.

Amendment 14ZZA agreed.

Welfare Reform Bill

Lord Geddes Excerpts

Monday 28th November 2011 Grand Committee

Clause 133 agreed.

[The Deputy Chairman of Committees (Lord Geddes)]

My Lords, there is a misprint in the Marshalled List. Amendment 114, which is to insert a new clause, clearly must be put after Clause 133.

Amendment 114

Moved by

--- Later in debate ---

Amendment 114A not moved.

[The Deputy Chairman of Committees]

Again, there is a technicality here in that Clause 136, on which the question will be that it stands part, has been grouped with Amendment 114B which, according to the instructions of 15 September, comes after Clause 136, so Clause 136 stand part cannot be grouped with that amendment. The question therefore is that Clause 136 stand part of the Bill.

Clause 136 agreed.

[The Deputy Chairman of Committees]

My Lords, I apologise for my voice. I have nearly lost it.

Schedule 13 : Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission

Amendment 114B

Moved by

Pensions Bill [HL]

Lord Geddes Excerpts

Tuesday 15th March 2011 Grand Committee

[The Deputy Chairman of Committees (Lord Geddes)]

My Lords, as is usual on these occasions, I must remind the Committee that, if there is a Division in the Chamber while we are sitting, the Committee will adjourn as soon as the Division Bells are rung and resume after approximately 10 minutes.

Clause 10 : Certification that alternative to quality requirement is satisfied

Amendment 42

Moved by

Pensions Bill [HL]

Lord Geddes Excerpts

Thursday 3rd March 2011 Grand Committee

Amendment 27 withdrawn.

[Deputy Chairman of Committees (Lord Geddes)]

My Lords, this might be a convenient moment to have a short break. The Committee stands adjourned until 4.40 pm.