§ Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what steps he proposes to take in the fight of the report to him of the Adult Literacy Unit Management Committee ; and if he will make a statement ;
(2) whether he will issue a circular to local authorities, to take note of the report of the Adult Literacy Unit Management Committee and to ensure greater emphasis is placed on improving the levels of adult literacy ;
163W(3) whether he will ensure greater resources are freed to combat the increase in adult illiteracy as recommended in the report of the Adult Literacy Unit Management Committee ;
(4) whether he will hold discussions with local education authorities and others in connection with the report of the Adult Literacy Unit Management Committee ; and whether he will make a statement ;
§ Dr. Boyson: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. and learned Friend on 17 December 1979 in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Loughborough (Mr. Dorrell).—[Vol. 976, c. 15–19]—I have repeatedly stressed the importance which we attach to work to remedy illiteracy among adults, indicated by our decision to establish a new unit with funds of over £½ million in 1980–81 to continue to support developments in this area and in related basic skills. It is for local authorities to take into account the recommendations of the report by the management committee of the adult literacy unit, and determine in the light of local needs, priorities and resources, how best to respond to the needs of illiterates in their areas. We shall review developments in the normal course of discussions with them about expenditure on education.