Oral Answers to Questions

Karl Turner Excerpts

Monday 23rd May 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hayes]

The hon. Gentleman knows that the Education Bill is going through the House—I have a copy for him here, just in case he has forgotten its contents. He also knows that on the subject of transition I have written to every local authority in the country—again, I have a copy of the details here—and to schools, letting them know what provision they need to put in place in anticipation of their new duty this September.

[Karl Turner (Kingston upon Hull East) (Lab)]

15. How many people he expects to be made redundant as a result of the closure of Connexions services; and if he will make a statement.

[The Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning (Mr John Hayes)]

The move from Connexions to more effective arrangements for careers guidance will present challenges as new opportunities emerge. Those challenges will, of course, be resolved at local level. It is for local authorities themselves to decide what provision they should make for young people, taking into account their statutory duties and the advice that they have received from me.

[Karl Turner]

The good people of Hull have just kicked out the Liberal Democrat council, and with it the Tory-led policy of pulling funding for Connexions. Will the Minister congratulate the new council leader, Steve Brady, on overturning that vicious Tory policy and looking after young people in the city?

[Mr Hayes]

Not only will I congratulate him, but I would be pleased to meet him with the hon. Gentleman to discuss these issues, such is the ecumenical way in which the Government treat important matters involving young people’s hopes and futures.