§ Mr. SteelTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what funding is available from Government sources for open learning centres for adults in inner cities in Scotland;
(2) if there is in Scotland an adult literacy and basic skills unit; and what funding is available from Government sources for adult basic education work in Scotland.
§ Mr. RifkindThe provision of adult basic education in Scotland is primarily the responsibility of the local authorities, who determine the extent and means of provision within the broad guidelines and resources provided by central Government.
The Government are making available £30,000 in both 1988–89 and 1989–90 to assist the establishment of an open learning centre at Whitfield, Dundee and £16,000 in both 1988–89 and 1989–90 to support the work of the Edinburgh walk-in numeracy centre. The Training Agency will be 392W making £80,000 available towards the establishment of four open learning centres (including Whitfield) in 1989–90.
The former Scottish adult basic education unit was integrated with the Scottish Community Education Council in 1986. Adult basic education was accorded first priority by the council in its corporate plan for 1988–89 and approximately one third of Scottish Education Department grant of £550,000 to the council was directed to that subject.
The Scottish Education Department will in addition be making a further £100,000 available towards other adult basic education initiatives in 1989–90.