HC Deb 16 January 1986 vol 89 cc644-5W
Mr. William Powell

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will make a statement about the future of the REPLAN Programme.

Mr. Walden

The programme now known as REPLAN, which seeks to encourage the development of educational opportunities for unemployed adults, was announced on 5 March 1984 at column411, initially as a three-year programme. The programme, which covers England and Wales, is jointly funded by the Department of Education and Science and the Welsh Office, with the Manpower Services Commission contributing to the cost of certain projects. REPLAN's main elements so far have included the appointment of a team of advisory field officers employed by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education; programmes of development projects (64 approved so far) managed by NIACE and the further education unit; staff development programmes organised by NIACE in collaboration with the regional advisory councils and the Welsh joint education committee; and an associated programme of education support grants under which 80 local education authorities have received approval for projects concerned with the planning, co-ordination and development of provision for the unemployed.

My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Education and Science and for Wales have now reviewed REPLAN's work to date. They are satisfied that the programme has already provided valuable support for those seeking to develop educational provision for the unemployed, and is helping the development of coordinated local responses between the many institutions and agencies involved.

My right hon. Friends have agreed that the duration of REPLAN should be extended, in the first instance, to December 1988. In the light of a further review of progress, a decision will be taken during 1986 on whether to extend the programme to December 1989; and the case for further 12 month extensions will be considered annually thereafter in the same way. Under this arrangement, the REPLAN Programme will be assured of a three-year planning horizon for so long as the annual reviews suggest that a continuing need for the programme can be foreseen.