HC Deb 15 January 1985 vol 71 cc90-1W
Mr. Freud

asked 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. Brooke

No formal study has been undertaken or is planned, but what information is available to the Department suggests value added tax liability for adult education classes has not been as severe as had been feared by some.

Mr. Freud

asked 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. Brooke

This information is not available.

Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is satisfied with the current financial arrangements for adult education classes.

Mr. Brooke

The 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.