§ Mr. Viggersasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will give his estimate of the number of teachers who have agreed to take part in the current programme to combat illiteracy and the number of pupils who are currently taking training.
§ Mr. Gerry FowlerAccurate information in this rapidly developing field is not available. The Adult Literacy Resource Agency estimates that, throughout Great Britain, 40,000 to 45,000 volunteer tutors have come forward and that some 50,000 students are receiving tuition.
§ Mr. Viggersasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is satisfied with the progress of the campaign to combat illiteracy; and in particular whether sufficient teachers are coming forward to assist in the scheme in different regions of the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Gerry FowlerYes; a useful framework for the drive for adult literacy has been established in the areas of all English and Welsh and nearly all Scottish local authorites. Overall, the number of volunteer tutors coming forward is adequate to meet present demands although there are some areas where student need and tutor supply do not yet match.