Funding For Horological Qualifications

EDM number 623 in 2010-12, proposed by Robert Halfon on 26/07/2010.

That this House is concerned that the funding available for the two accredited qualifications for clock and watchmaking offered by the awarding body EMTA Awards Ltd (EAL) in conjunction with the British Horological Institute have had their funding cut by the Skills Funding Agency with effect from 31 July 2010 without adequate consultation or a proper notice period; is further concerned that there was a very short and inadequately advertised window of opportunity in which to object; notes that there is an existing and growing demand for these qualifications, both from students and the watch and clock service industry; further notes that the cuts in funding could threaten the existence of the last course available in the UK leading to accredited qualifications for training clock and watchmakers at Birmingham City University; believes that this centre of horological excellence provides a unique opportunity to prepare students to service clocks and the rapidly increasing number of hi-tech complicated watches, which is a growth industry; further believes that such niche qualifications in highly specialised trades are valuable to British industry; and calls on the Government to review this decision, in light of the rich and centuries-old tradition of clock and watchmaking in the British Isles, and also in light of the jobs and economic growth offered by the sector.

This motion has been signed by a total of 7 MPs.