PENTALK IN CUMBRIA

That this House notes the superb work done by the Pentalk organisation, which provides IT training, advice and support to 2,600 farmers, their families and employees throughout Cumbria; notes that through partnership with training providers they arrange IT training for complete beginners and also those who need to keep up with the rapidly changing environment in which rural businesses operate; is concerned that the Watershed Computer Training Van, which travelled round farm yards, village shops and pubs, has been forced to close because the Learning and Skills Council has cut funding for the Newton Rigg campus; and calls on the Government to ensure that this vital service for farm diversification in Cumbria is permitted to continue.