§ 24. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will take steps to support and stimulate non-vocational adult education; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. BoysonIt is for local education authorities to determine, in the light of local needs, priorities and available resources, what provision can be made generally for adult and continuing education in their areas. Recognising the growing importance of this work, my right hon. and learned Friend has, however, recently extended the term of office of the Advisory Council for Adult and Continuing Education which was set up to support the effective deployment of existing resources and promote the development of future policies and priorities.
§ 47. Mr. Stallardasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will monitor cuts in adult education.
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§ Dr. BoysonMy right hon. and learned Friend believes that it is for local authorities to determine how, both within and between services, to achieve the necessary savings in public expenditure, in the light of their own priorities, needs and resources and the detailed knowledge of their area. Officials of the Department and members of Her Majesty's Inspectorate will, in the normal way, be assembling information generally on local education authorities' expenditure plans and their impact on the level and quality of educational provision.