HC Deb 05 February 1980 vol 978 cc143-4W
20. Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many voluntary adult education literacy tutors have been trained but will be without students in 1980.

Dr. Boyson

This information is not available.

27. Mr. Dormand

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what additional resources he is making available for adult education in each of the next five years.

Dr. Boyson

The Government's expenditure plans for 1980–81 assume some reduction in local authority expenditure on adult education, as part of the overall reductions necessary in public expenditure. The level of funding provided direct from the Department in that year for bodies engaged in adult education is, however, expected to be maintained in real terms. In addition, my right hon. and learned Friend intends to make available for 1980–81, subject to this House's approval, funds of some £1½ million for a unit to be developed from the adult literacy unit to provide a central focus for work in literacy and other related basic skills. He has also agreed in principle to make additional funds available for the reopening of Fircroft as a long-term residential college in the academic year 1980–81. Plans for 1981–82 and later years have yet to be determined.

58. Mr. Haynes

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many counties have totally withdrawn their grants to adult education in 1980–81; if he will name them; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Boyson

Comprehensive information on this question is not available. I understand that, although no local authority in England has ceased entirely to make provision for adult education, a few have withdrawn totally, in respect of 1979–80, their grant to the districts of the Workers Educational Association and the university extra-mural departments in their areas, or are considering doing so for 1980–81.

It is for each authority to determine, in the light of its priorities, needs and resources, how to achieve the necessary savings in expenditure, both within and between services.