HC Deb 13 July 1981 vol 8 c307W
Mr. David Young

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if, in view of the growing number of elderly people who will not be re-employed, what provision is being made within adult education for education for leisure; and what input of finance will be necessary to meet growing requirements.

Mr. Macfarlane

It is for local authorities to determine, in the light of local demands and resources, what educational opportunities to provide to meet the needs of adults in their areas. My right hon. and learned Friend is, however, concerned that the full range of the general educational needs of adults of all ages without paid employment should be identified, and advice made available on the most appropriate ways of developing provision to meet them, and has accordingly asked the advisory council for adult and continuing education to undertake quickly a specific remit in this area. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. and learned Friend on 8 July to my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Garston (Mr. Thornton).