§ 12. Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what progress is being made to reduce the number of adults lacking basic literacy and numeracy skills. [50357]
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§ John HealeyThis Government recognise the vital importance of improving adult basic skills. Since Skills for Life, our national strategy, was launched last year, we have made significant progress. This includes piloting a number of new initiatives, including one in my hon. Friend's constituency, to determine what works best in helping adults improve their skills. Participation by adults in basic skills courses is increasing and from April to October 2001 over 91,000 adults improved their skills.