§ Mr. RichardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures are being taken to combat adult illiteracy in Wales.
§ Sir Wyn RobertsDuring the last four financial years, the Department has approved expenditure by local education authorities of £668,800 under the grants for education support and training arrangements for the provision of open learning centres for adults with literacy and numeracy problems. In the same period, the Department has contributed approximately £733,000 to the adult literacy and basic skills unit for its basic skills work with adults.
Training and enterprise councils are able to help those adults whose literacy needs seriously impair their ability to compete in the labour market. For example, normal entry conditions to employment training are waived. Training programmes can be individually designed to give adults with literacy needs the support and help they require to progress towards general and vocational competencies.
From 1 April 1993, the Further Education Funding Council for Wales will become responsible for courses of basic literacy in English, literacy in Welsh and communication skills for people with learning difficulties so as to prepare them for further education.