§ Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) when he received the report of the working group of the Manpower Services Commission on illiteracy among long-term unemployed people; and if he will make a statement;
(2) whether he will arrange discussions with (a) the adult literacy and basic skills unit, (b) the National Federation of Voluntary Literacy Schemes and (c) 151W representatives of local education authorities, in considering what steps to take in relation to the report of the Manpower Services Commission working group on illiteracy among long-term unemployed people; if he will publish a discussion document; when he expects to announce decisions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldenA copy of the report of the working group was forwarded to my right hon. Friend by the chairman of the Manpower Services Commission on 11 February 1987. Consideration of the report is for my right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State for Employment.
My Department and the adult literacy and basic skills unit which it funds will co-operate in this consideration as necessary. The management committee of the adult literacy and basic skills unit includes representatives of the National Federation of Voluntary Literacy Schemes and of local education authorities.