§ Mr. Liddell-GraingerTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what help will be given to rural areas to help with adult learning. [85060]
§ Mr. Stephen TwiggSupport for adult learners in rural areas is a key priority in our national strategy for improving adult literacy and numeracy, launched in March 2001. Good progress is being made, and through the Learning and Skills Council, we are expanding the range of provision, and providing better access. For example, extended schools are providing centres for adult learning within rural communities, and in some locations, may also provide access to sports and other facilities. Online centres have also been established in rural areas, and trials are under way to pilot the use of ICT in pubs.
In 2001–02 a total of 8,064 new child care places were created in Devon, Cornwall, Durham and Lincolnshire, helping more parents to access learning provision. And the modernisation of the Higher Education student support system will consider how to improve access through online application and interactive help facilities for students.
We shall be reporting fully on all our activities to the Countryside Agency as part of the annual cycle of rural proofing reporting by the Government. We shall also be working closely with DEFRA on their review of skills and learning in rural areas announced on 21 November.