§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what study has been made by his Department of the effects on local authority provision and the take-up of places on adult education courses since the enforcement of their liability to value added tax.
§ Mr. BrookeNo formal study has been undertaken or is planned, but what information is available to the 91W Department suggests value added tax liability for adult education classes has not been as severe as had been feared by some.
§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what has been the average percentage increase in the fees charged for adult education courses from 1983–84 to 1984–85; and whether he will break down this figure into courses (a) liable and (b) not liable for value added tax.
§ Mr. BrookeThis information is not available.
§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is satisfied with the current financial arrangements for adult education classes.
§ Mr. BrookeThe financial arrangements for local education authority adult education classes are for the individual authority concerned to determine. The financial arrangements for university extra-mural departments and the Workers Educational Association, which are aided by my right hon. Friend, are being adjusted as from 1985–86.