§ Sir Thomas ArnoldTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what is the extent of adult illiteracy in the United Kingdom; what definition he uses of illiteracy; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FormanThere are very few adults in the United Kingdom who cannot read or write at all, but there are substantial numbers who cannot cope with the demands of everyday life. They cannot, for example, fill in forms, check payslips or give the correct change. Such people are often described as being "functionally illiterate".
159WThe adult literacy and basic skills unit—ALBSU—which advises the Government, estimates that 5.5 million people in England and Wales have some difficulty with reading, writing, spelling and basic mathematics. That cannot be a precise figure, but there is no doubt that there are still many people requiring help.
The Government give high priority to basic skills education for adults—that is literacy and numeracy. Local education authorities are currently the main providers of this, but central Government also give support, to ALBSU and through a number of central initiatives. Grants to ALBSU have increased more than sixfold over the past decade, to over £3 million in 1992–93.
The Further and Higher Education Act 1992 strengthens the position of basic skills. The further education funding councils will be under a specific duty to secure adequate provision of basic skills education for adults.
Such provision should make the best use of whatever facilities and expertise are available and should be readily accessible to local communities.