§ 22. Mr. Gerry Fowlerasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he has yet completed his reconsideration of the role of, and support from public funds for, the Educational Guidance Services for Adults (Northern Ireland).
§ Mr. CarterNo. There are conflicting views about the value of voluntary agencies providing educational guidance, and it is clear that there is a need for a considerable development of this service in Northern Ireland particularly for areas of social deprivation and for all areas outside Belfast. It is for this reason that my noble Friend, the Minister of State, proposes to set up an independent inquiry into the nature of demand for educational guidance in Northern Ireland, the adequacy of existing provisions and how best future services can be provided.