§ 18. Mr. Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for the extension of adult education in Scotland in 1953–54.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartThe provision of facilities for adult education, generally made in co-operation with the universities or the Workers' Educational Association, is primarily the responsibility of the education authorities. In view of the present need for economy, there is unlikely to be any substantial extension of adult education in the immediate future, but my right hon. Friend has made it clear to the authoritles that savings should be sought by increasing income rather than by any drastic curtailment of facilitles.
§ Mr. HamiltonWhen the Joint UnderSecretary talks about the unlikelihood of any substantial improvement or extension of adult education facilities in Scotland, what exactly does he mean? Can we take it that it is the general policy of the Scottish Office, as distinct from the Ministry of Education in England, to give every possible encouragement to adult education in Scotland and the extension of that very important amenity?
§ Mr. StewartThe answer is, Yes, so far as national resources will allow. I do not myself anticipate that there will be any considerable change, but in the case of purely recreational classes, about which the House is aware, I do not think it unreasonable to ask for higher fees.
§ Mr. HamiltonCan we take it then that the Scottish Office is not going to circulate local authorities to the effect of making a 10 per cent. decrease in adult education facilities?
§ Mr. StewartI think the hon. Member is under a misapprehension. We are not at present giving grants to bodies like the Workers' Educational Association as they do in England. Our system is entirely different. We have not issued any such order; nor have we any intention of doing so.