HC Deb 12 May 1977 vol 931 cc565-6W
Mr. Watkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) how people have benefited from the adult literacy programme in (a) Gloucestershire, and (6) West Gloucestershire in 1975–76 and 1976–77; and what the figures should be for 1977–78;

(2) if she will publish in the Official Report the numbers by county who have been assisted by the adult literacy programme in 1975–76 and 1976–77; and what is the figure for 1977–78.

Mr. Oakes

Student numbers in adult literacy schemes in 1975–76 were published in Appendix II of the Adult Literacy Resource Agency's report "Adult Literacy: Progress in 1975/76" a copy of which is available in the Library. The figure for Gloucestershire is 260. Returns from local education authorities on activity in 1976–77 are still being collated by the agency for inclusion in its report on that year shortly to be made to my right hon. Friend. Student numbers in 1977–78 are a matter for conjecture at this stage.

Information is not available centrally on student numbers in West Gloucestershire.

Mr. Watkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will publish in the Official Report the bids made by counties to Adult Literacy RA in 1975–76 and 1976–77; and what is the figure for 1977–78.

Mr. Oakes

After the agency has invited initial bids from local education authorities and others for assistance in any one year, informal discussions take place about possible allocations from the limited funds available. Formal bids are then made which are usually accepted by the agency. Details of the 1975–76 allocations were published in the agency's report for that year and those for 1976–77 will be in the report shortly to be made to the Department. Allocations for 1977–78 have been notified to individual authorities and reflect generally the staff commitment made in 1976–77.

Mr. Watkinson

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if she will publish in the Official Report the amounts contributed by each county to support the adult literacy programme in 1975–76 and 1976–77; and what is the figure for 1977–78;

(2) what were the contributions from Gloucestershire County Council towards providing for an adult literacy programme in the county for 1975–76, 1976–77 and 1977–78.

Mr. Oakes

I regret that these details of local education authority expenditure are not available centrally.