HC Deb 18 March 2004 vol 419 c455W
Mr. Boswell

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what discussions he has had with the Adult Residential Colleges Association concerning the contribution by residential education to the Government's Skills Strategy. [159526]

Mr. Ivan Lewis

There are 32 adult residential colleges based in rural locations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. These colleges are mainly owned and run by local education authorities (LEAs) and provide, in the main, short courses. They do not receive funding direct from the DfES or the Learning and Skills Council. It is for local Learning and Skills Councils, in discussion with LEAs, to consider whether, and if so how, residential colleges can contribute to meeting local needs in lifelong learning in the light of our commitments in 21st Century Skills to safeguard budgets for such learning. I have not, therefore, had direct discussions with the Association about the role of member colleges in meeting the commitments in the Skills Strategy.