§ Mr. MacleanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to increase the level of literacy and numeracy among adults in Cumbria. [52219]
§ Dr. HowellsThe levels of literacy and numeracy among adults in Cumbria will be improved in a number of ways.
139WBy 2002 we plan to help over 500,000 people a year in England. The working group we have set up to advise us, chaired by Sir Claus Moser, will report in November.
This year we have provided up to £5.5 million for Further Education colleges to run Summer Schools to help those with low basic skills. All three colleges in Cumbria that bid to run Summer Schools have had their plans accepted.
We plan to expand the help given by further and adult education institutions and basic skills are a key target area for the University for Industry. We will also provide help through Investing in Young People, the New Deal 18–24, Adult Work Based Training and our new Adult and Community Learning Fund.