I thank the Minister for her response, and all those who have participated in this debate.
It is a little disappointing that she is not more forthcoming on this. I recognise that she has made provision for major public contracts but, first, as I understand it, that is to be negotiated with the contractors —it is not mandatory for large public contracts. Secondly, a large number of smaller contracts go through public bodies on which it would be useful for there to be some nudging. The “may” that I would have put in would very much be nudging those subcontractors to think about apprenticeships and think whether they could not carry them through. We are concerned about the lack of apprenticeships in small and medium-sized companies, and this is one way in which to encourage those companies to come up with proposals for apprenticeships. It would be an opportunity for the Government to nudge things in that direction. As the Minister made clear, big contracts began only in September this year, so we have a long way to go. What can be achieved, as is shown by the Olympic Park and Crossrail, is very considerable. I hope that we see something a little more positive from the Government some time. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment.