HC Deb 21 June 1988 vol 135 c520W
19. Mr. Gerald Bowden

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans he has made for the provision of adult education in inner London following the abolition of the Inner London education authority.

Mr. Dunn

Adult education is essentially a local service which should be responsive to local needs and can thus be more effectively organised by the boroughs. There may, however, be scope for certain boroughs to co-operate over certain areas of provision. In addition, there are several high-quality adult education institutions of national repute which carry out a high proportion of advanced work. The Government have made clear their intention to direct the London residuary body to provide financial support for Morley college, the Working Men's college and the Mary Ward centre, all of which are aided colleges. After the London residuary body has been wound up, the Government will be prepared to continue to provide financial support to these institutions as necessary. The Government believe that central funding may also be required for the City Lit.