§ Mr. SayeedTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of internet-based teaching programmes that can develop literacy and numeracy for post-16 year olds in education. [136540]
§ Mr. WicksImproving adult literacy and numeracy skills is a priority for this Government. We have introduced a number of relevant measures and have already announced our intention to allocate £150 million additional expenditure over the period 2001–02 to 2003–04, and will shortly be publishing our national strategy.
The University for Industry in conjunction with my Department and the Institute of Education in London are currently undertaking research to examine the effectiveness and appropriateness of ICT based learning 45W for people with basic skills needs. The project outcomes will be available early next year and will include a report and a good practice guide.