§ 23. Mr. Wallaceasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what discussions his Department is conducting into promotion of adult education in basic skills of literacy and numeracy; and if he will make a statement.
§ 43. Mr. Beaumont-Darkasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans he has to deal with the problem of adult illiteracy.
§ Mr. WaldenMy right hon. Friend gives high priority to the funding of the adult literacy and basic skills unit in order to stimulate further development of the provision of education in adult basic skills, and to reduce problems of literacy and numeracy amongst adults. Grant from the Department of Education and Science has risen from over £470,000 in 1980–81 to over £2,050,000 in 1986–87; a fourfold increase.
The Department has frequent discussions with the adult literacy and basic skills unit, other relevant government departments and the MSC about how provision for adult basic skills can be developed and extended and is represented on the unit's management committee.