Welfare Reform Bill

moved Amendment No. 4: 4: Schedule 1 , page 52, line 41, leave out paragraph (g) The noble Lord said: The Minister and the rest of the Committee will be delighted to hear that I intend this amendment to be a quickie, compared with the first group of amendments that I had the pleasure of introducing. It is simple and, I hope, self-explanatory. I asked the same question at a meeting that the Minister graciously hosted with his civil servants when we were looking at the very early stages and preparing for Committee. I am hoping, though, to hear from the Government and have on record why those on the income-related strand of ESA are not allowed to take part in any educational training. It seems extraordinary that the Government would actively prevent these claimants pursuing an activity that would contribute much to their self-esteem and, ultimately, their employability. This also raises questions of consistency. Since those on the contributory-based strand of ESA are able to undertake education, I am expecting that this will become a large proportion of their original work-related activity. After all, new skills allow a person unable to perform his traditional job, perhaps heavy labour, to find new employment in work more suited to his capabilities. I therefore look forward to hearing why the Government seem intent on denying these opportunities to those on the income-related strand. I beg to move.