HC Deb 24 February 1987 vol 111 c192W
Mr. Ashdown

asked the Paymaster General when he received the report of a working group of the Manpower Services Commission on illiteracy among long-term unemployed people; what estimates are given in that report of the numbers and proportion of persons with such inadequate skills among the long-term unemployed; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Trippier

My right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State for Employment received the report on 12 February 1987. The report estimates that some 25 per cent. of the long-term unemployed, or between 350,000 and 400,000 people, have literacy or numeracy problems that might affect their opportunities of securing employment. In 1986–87 the Manpower Services Commission is spending £5–6 million on basic literacy and numeracy skills training; this provision is in addition to spending by local education authorities. The figures in the report emphasise, however, the scale of the problem that remains.

Mr. Ashdown

asked the Paymaster General whether he will arrange discussions with (a) the adult literacy and basic skills unit, (b) the National Federation of Voluntary Literacy Schemes and (c) representatives of local education authorities, in considering what steps to take about illiteracy among the long-term unemployed; if he will publish a discussion document; when he expects to announce decisions; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Trippier

My right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State for Employment is considering the report in conjunction with other colleagues with relevant departmental responsibilities and will decide what, if any, action to take on it as soon as possible.

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