17. Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will increase the grant to the Workers' Educational Association for teaching expenses from 75 per cent. to 90 per cent.
§ Mr. RedheadNo, Sir.,
Mr. MitchellIs my hon. Friend aware that in recent years there has been a considerable increase in the demand for adult education and that the W.E.A., because of financial problems, is having difficulty in expanding its activities to meet this demand? Will he reconsider his answer?
§ Mr. RedheadI am aware that the W.E.A. wants this increase in order to undertake a big expansion of its work. However, other responsible bodies would, no doubt, wish to undertake a similar expansion if funds were available. I regret very much that I cannot see any prospect in the near future of finding funds for a substantial increase in adult education in view of the claims of other sectors of the education service. I should add that there is some reason to doubt that suitable staff would be found for a sudden expansion in face of competition from other forms of higher education.