HC Deb 18 April 1978 vol 948 cc242-3
11. Mr. Viggers

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she is satisfied with the current level of adult literacy.

Mr. Oakes

No, Sir, and that is why I am glad that provision for adult literacy is becoming a firmly established part of educational provision.

Mr. Viggers

In view of the fact that our schools are passing out young adults 15 per cent. of whom are estimated to lack basic literacy, is it not time for a new initiative in the basic skills in schools?

Mr. Oakes

They could not have been doing so very well in the past judging by the scale of adult literacy provision that we have had to make over the last two or three years. As my right hon. Friend said earlier, performances in schools are being looked at. We have sent out a questionnaire to local education authorities, replies to which will come in the summer, asking particularly what kind of provision is made in the teaching of English and so on.

Mr. Gerry Fowler

Does my hon. Friend agree that while the resources for adult literacy and numeracy courses, and, indeed, for Russell priority courses as they affect the local education authority sector, largely go through the rate support grant, we shall have patchy provision? Does he further agree that some authorities will adopt what would not be the Government's priorities—for example, my local education authority, with its absurd and offensive course on fox hunting?

Mr. Oakes

I certainly would not want the money to go on fox hunting. As I said in answer to an earlier question, the overwhelming number of authorities, which are democratically elected, are aware of their responsibilities in this area.