§ Sir John Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement about Government support of the Workers Educational Association.
§ Mr. WaldenIt is the policy of my right hon. Friend to maintain existing educational opportunities for adults, and to extend provision for groups with special needs such as the unemployed and those lacking basic literacy and numeracy skills, within the constraints of available resources. While tackling new priorities inevitably involves changes in existing funding structures, my right hon. Friend remains committed to the support of liberal adult education through courses provided by the Workers Educational Association. About £2,545,000 in grant-aid has been made available to the Association for this purpose in the current financial year.
My right hon. Friend is aware that some WEA districts are currently facing particularly acute financial difficulties, and he is considering a request for additional grant. He expects to announce his decision soon.