Clause 8 - None

Part of Sale of Student Loans Bill – in a Public Bill Committee am 5:30 pm ar 4 Rhagfyr 2007.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of John Hayes John Hayes Shadow Minister (14-19 Reform and Apprenticeships) 5:30, 4 Rhagfyr 2007

That invites another question, about the proceeds from the sales generally, but it is a very good point. We are not for a moment suggesting that the proceeds of the sale should be hypothecated, because that would be a spending commitment and if I were to make that I would be on the carpet, even though the Opposition Whip has briefly left the room. However, the hon. Lady is right that there is an issue about the receipts of the sale. That raises the question why the Welsh Assembly was included. More especially, there is an issue about the compatibility of any policy that might be enacted in Wales that was at odds with what was done here. Given that an immense number of students from Wales study in England and students from England study in Wales, it would seem to be in all our interests to ensure that policy is consistent and coherent. Has the Minister made any assessment of that? In offering that assessment to the Committee, will he address the pertinent point raised by the hon. Lady?