HC Deb 09 November 1982 vol 31 cc117-8W
43. Mr. Stan Thorne

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he proposes to extend the adult education service in 1983.

Mr. William Shelton

The Government's expenditure plans for 1983–84 assume that the numbers of students in adult education courses provided by local education authorities in 1983–84 will remain at the same level as the projection for 1982–83. In general, to the extent that fees for some courses are raised, it should be possible for the subsidy for such group as the unemployed and old-age pensioners to be increased. In the case of bodies grant-aided by the Department, the plans provide, if costs are contained, for the level of support in 1983–84 to be broadly maintained at its present level.