HC Deb 24 June 1981 vol 7 cc106-7W
Mr. Foster

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many unemployed adults are enrolled in courses offered by (a) the Manpower Services Commission and (b) colleges of further education which have the purpose of increasing their literacy skills.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Information on the number of unemployed adults undergoing training designed to improve literacy skills is unavailable in the form requested. 3,600 preparatory course starts are planned under the training opportunities scheme at colleges of further education and other centres during 1981–82. This Department does not collect information on the numbers of unemployed adults receiving other forms of literacy tuition at colleges of further education. That is the responsibility of my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Education.

Mr. Foster

asked the Secretary of State for Employment, in view of the number of adult unemployed who have literacy problems, if Her Majesty's Government will (a) increase the education content in community enterprise programme schemes, (b) increase the number of training opportunities programme preparatory courses and (c) encourage unemployed adults to increase their literacy skills without loss of benefit.

Mr. Peter Morrison

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.