§ Mr. BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what representations he has received seeking an amendment to schedule 2 to the Further and Higher Education Act 1992, chapter 13, to allow lip-reading classes to be funded by the further education funding councils; and how he has responded.
§ Mr. BoswellMy right hon. Friend has received a number of representations about the arrangements under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 for the provision of lip-reading classes for adults. Schedule 2 to the Act specifies the scope of the duty on the Further Education Funding Councils to secure further education for adults, including courses in lip reading and other communication skills. Under section 11 of the Act, LEAs' duty is to secure the availability of such provision where it does not fall within schedule 2. The requirement on both the funding councils and LEAs is to ensure that adequate provision is available, in their respective spheres of responsibility.