HC Deb 20 November 1981 vol 13 cc258-9W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will appoint inspectors to advise on the teaching of English as a second language in adult, further and higher education, and to promote curriculum development.

Mr. Waldegrave

Her Majesty's Inspectorate already includes members whose responsibilities cover advice on the provision of English as a second language in these sectors, and the encouragement of curriculum development by appropriate agencies.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information is available to him about the number of places available for adults who wish to learn English as a second language; and what information he has about the possible demand and need for such courses.

Mr. William Shelton

The need for this important area of educational provision for adults continues, but information on the level of demand or provision is not available centrally. As in other areas of adult education, provision is made locally in the light of local demand, need and resources.

Hospital General Medical Services Total
1 October 1974 to 30 September 1975 475 135 610
1 October 1976 to 30 September 1977* 390 100 490
1 October 1978 to 30 August 1979 290 68 358
* Estimated figure only.

Note. These figures include some doctors born in, but trained outside, the United Kingdom; and do not exclude doctors who subsequently returned to the United Kingdom after a period abroad. No information is available on the numbers in either category.

The Department does not have information on the numbers of nurses and other health care staff who have trained in the United Kingdom and who have subsequently emigrated. I understand that the General Nursing Council collects some information about the movement of qualified nursing staff from United Kingdom employment, but this is not in the form requested by the hon. Member.

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