§ 43. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Minister of Education how far the recent cut in adult education applies to residential colleges.
§ The Minister of Education (Miss Florence Horsbrugh)Discussion is continuing about my Department's grants for adult education classes for next year. I have made no proposals for any reduction in the grants paid to residential colleges.
§ Mr. JohnsonI thank the Minister for that cheerful answer, but will she go a little further with me? Will she give the House an assurance that she is not contemplating any cuts in this field of further education?
§ Miss HorsbrughThe Question which the hon. Gentleman has put down is about grants paid to residential colleges. I said there is no proposal whatsoever for a reduction in the grants paid to residential colleges. I have also stated that discussions are going on in the wider field of adult education.
§ Mr. JayCannot the Minister assure us that she is reconsidering the whole of this unfortunate cut?
§ Miss HorsbrughNo cut has been made, and discussions are continuing. The one unfortunate thing which the deputation who came to see me regret has taken place is that information and publicity has appeared while discussions of a far wider nature were continuing.