§ 54. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Education what effect he estimates his circular 307, dealing with fees, has had upon adult education; how many adults are now participating in further education as compared with previous years; and if he will restore to local education authorities the power to determine what adult students' fees should be for further education.
§ Sir D. EcclesThere are variations between one area and another, but taking the figures as a whole there has been a fall of about 3 per cent. in enrolments for all evening classes as compared with the corresponding period last year. I see no reason to modify the terms of the circular.
§ 55. Mr. J. Hyndasked the Minister of Education whether he has now received the figures of enrolments in Sheffield evening classes; and whether, in the light of these figures, he will now agree to an abatement of the fees required by Circular 307, for all classes for age groups over 21 years or for first-aid classes in particular.
§ Sir D. EcclesEnrolments in Sheffield evening classes this session are 20,064 compared with 19,585 in 1954–55 and 20,420 last year. I see no reason to modify the terms of Circular 307 which already contains provision for the abatement of fees in cases of hardship.