HC Deb 23 April 1975 vol 890 cc1461-2
6. Mr. Robin F. Cook

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the Alexander Report on Adult Education.

Mr. Robert Hughes

Professor Alexander and his committee are to be commended for producing a stimulating and thought-provoking report entitled "Adult Education—The Challenge of Change." I have asked education authorities and other interested bodies to let me have their comments by 30th June and decisions on the report's recommendations will be taken in the light of the comments received.

Mr. Cook

Will my hon. Friend give an assurance that the period of consultations will not be used as a reason for an indefinite delay in implementing the recommendations of the report, as happened with the English Russell Report, which, three years after publication, remains virtually unimplemented? Will he give us some idea of a timetable for carrying out the recommendations which do not involve any expenditure, for setting up Scottish county or community education facilities? Does he accept that even in these straitened economic times £2 million is a modest price to pay to carry out those recommendations and to make education in Scotland a lifelong process?

Mr. Hughes

As regards my hon. Friend's first point, I asked for comments to be submitted by 30th June. I should not have thought that that was an inordinate delay. There is no question of using that as a reason for not implementing the report. We asked education authorities and others interested to consider particularly those recommendations which did not require additional expenditure. As regards overall development, we must take into account the economic situation. We shall study the comments carefully and bring forward our recommendations as soon as possible.

Mrs. Bain

Has the Minister received any communication from the Strathclyde region on the implementation of the Alexander Report? I have forwarded such communications as I have received. Is the Minister aware that in the Strathclyde region there appears to be no intention to implement the recommendations of the Alexander Report?

Mr. Hughes

I have no such information.

Mr. Buchan

Can the allegation be denied?

Mr. Hughes

I have received no such information. Once we have received comments from the different interests concerned we shall call for advice and guidance from education authorities and others on the ways in which the report can be implemented.