HC Deb 23 April 1953 vol 514 cc1400-2
64. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Education whether she will make a statement with regard to the resolution submitted to her by the University College of Leicester Board of Adult Education concerning the proposal to reduce the grant-aid payable for the year 1953–54.

Mr. H. Brooke

asked the Minister of Education whether she can yet make any further statement about grants to the Workers' Educational Association and other bodies responsible for adult education.

Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Education whether she is now in a position to make a statement on the pro posed reduction of grants for adult education.

The Minister of Education (Miss Florence Horsbrugh)

After reviewing the information given to me by responsible bodies for adult education, and after discussing the matter with a deputation representing these bodies, I have come to the conclusion that the arrangements under which this relatively small but very important part of adult education is organised and aided from public funds needs to be reviewed in the light of developments since the war, particularly as the Adult Education Committee, which advised the Board of Education from 1922 to 1939, was not revived after the war.

I propose, therefore, to set up a small committee to review the arrangements and to advise me from the financial and administrative points of view. As such a committee could not report in time to effect the organisation of the work for the forthcoming academic year, I have told the representatives of the responsible bodies that they can expect the same grant next year as they have received for this year. Further, in cases where there are special difficulties owing to previous commitments, I am prepared to consider the possibility of additional assistance for the particular responsible bodies con cerned.

Mr. H. Morrison

I am all in favour of the sinner that repenteth. As the right hon. Lady will recognise, this represents—

Mr. H. Nicholls

Ask a question. Do not make a speech.

Mr. Morrison

A certain latitude is allowed to me that is not allowed to the hon. Member.

The hon. Lady will recognise, will she not, that this represents a substantial and almost complete surrender on her part and the reversal of a step which was ill-advised, somewhat wild, and irresponsible—not that that is exceptional in the case of this Government.

May I ask the right hon. Lady whether she was required to take the step by the Prime Minister, out of his knowledge of political and electoral considerations, and may we take it that this statement represents an absolutely clear decision that her previous decision will not be carried out but that, as a face-saving device—which I quite understand and sympathise with—she proposes to appoint this committee, which will enable her to be whitewashed out of an embarrassing situation?

Miss Horsbrugh

I cannot tell the right hon. Gentleman, before this committee has either been set up or has re ported, whose face it will save or whom it will whitewash. Perhaps I could say that when I received further information I realised that the mere reduction of 4s. in the grant per student was only tinkering with the problem, and that I am convinced that what is required is a complete overhaul of the administration and finance, so that we can see that we get the best possible organisation for adult education and that all the money is used to the best possible purpose.

Mr. Brooke

As many of us agree with the Minister that there are a great many aspects of this important service which thoroughly deserve a fresh examination, could she help both sides of the House by giving the terms of reference of the proposed committee?

Miss Horsbrugh

No, Sir. I was anxious not to define too closely the terms of reference until I had been able to discuss them with the representatives of the responsible bodies. The general idea, as I have said, is to have a review of the organisation and finances to see the best method in which it can be organised.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Willey.

Mr. Janner

On a point of order. I put down one of the Questions on this matter, Sir.

Mr. Speaker

So did the hon. Member for Sunderland, North (Mr. Willey).

Mr. Willey

Is the right hon. Lady aware that we welcome her recantation? We recognise that the Prime Minister's intervention in this matter was much more profitable than it was last night, but we remain anxious about it. Will she assure us that this is really a question of face-saving and that in this matter she is not following the precedent of the Minister of Health in setting up a committee?

Miss Horsbrugh

I do not know what the hon. Gentleman means by face-saving, but what I want to save is a good organi sation for adult education.

Mr. Janner

May I ask the right hon. Lady whether this is a decision of the Cabinet, whether she took the opinions of the responsible bodies and whether she is now suggesting that a committee must be set up to advise such important bodies as those which approached her on this matter as to whether they understand their business or not?

Miss Horsbrugh

I took my final decision, I put it, as usual, to the Cabinet, and, as usual, the Government were unanimous in supporting it.