§ 7. Mr. Dormandasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received for the establishment of a development council for continuing education.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mr. Peter Brooke)About 70 letters have been received in the Department since 1 January 1983, and I have discussed the issue with representatives of the local authority associations and the Advisory Council for Adult and Continuing Education. Although we do not intend to set up a council of the sort proposed by ACACE, my right hon. Friend has agreed to grant-aid the development unit being established by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education.
§ Mr. DormandThat is an extremely unsatisfactory answer. Is the Minister aware that since the Government abolished the advisory council there has been a yawning gap in this area? Does he realise that without such an organisation continuing education will inevitably suffer? Is the Government's attitude to such a council based on principle, or on financial considerations?
§ Mr. BrookeACACE wanted a large council, with a substantial annual budget. We doubt the wisdom of channelling all adult education development funds through a single agency, bearing in mind the existence of other relevant bodies such as the further education unit and the adult literacy and basic skills unit. The arrangement that we have in mind provides the flexibility that is needed. The unit provides a central focus, but there is a choice of agencies to carry out specific projects.
§ Mr. GreenwayDoes my hon. Friend accept that adult and continuing education has a great role to play in retraining for work and in providing self-dignity to the old and unemployed? Will he make it a priority to give a higher profile to this important service?
§ Mr. BrookeI am delighted to tell my hon. Friend that the expenditure from my Department will increase by 14 per cent. next year and by 22 per cent. in the following year.