HC Deb 29 April 1964 vol 694 cc400-1
39. Sir M. Galpern

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total expenditure on extra-mural and Workers' Educational Association education in Scotland for 1963; and what was the amount of the contribution made by his Department.

Mr. Noble

I have information only on the expenditure on which grant has been sought. This amounted to £69,000 in 1962–63, towards which my Department contributed £13,125, in respect of administration.

Sir M. Galpern

The Secretary of State fails to recognise, in giving that reply, what a miserable pittance has been contributed by the Scottish Department—the figure is £13,000—to the necessity of developing adult education in Scotland. I can assure the right hon. Gentleman, if he is not already aware of the fact, that the development of this aspect of our educational system is not restricted through lack of demand, but purely because the financial resources are not available. I wonder that the right hon. Gentleman is not shamefaced through having to admit this afternoon that for the whole of Scotland he has contributed only £13,000. [HON. MEMBERS: "Question."] This is a vital matter. Will he take steps to ensure that greater development takes place at a far more rapid pace than has been the case hitherto?

Mr. Noble

The grant which my Department makes is in respect of administration. The Extra-Mural Committees of the Universities of Edinburgh, Aberdeen and St. Andrews have not sought grant aid under further education regulations. I have no information about what they have spent. The Extra-Mural Committee of Glasgow University is the one which has applied for grant and satisfies the conditions of these Regulations. This is not the total amount.

Mr. Brewis

Does the figure given by my right hon. Friend include adult education organised by local education authorities throughout Scotland?

Mr. Noble

Without notice I would not be certain of the answer. This is certainly part of it, but I have not got the figures.