§ Sandra GidleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to improve access to education for pensioners. [186451]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisOur plans were set out in the White Paper "21st Century Skills; Realising Our Potential" published in July 2003. We are committed to safeguarding a wide range of opportunities for pensioners. This is why we have agreed a budget with the Learning and Skills Council of £207.4 million in 2004–05 for adult and community learning secured through local education authorities, compared with £206 million in 2003–04. 28 per cent. of learners on these courses are aged 6.5 or over.