§ Mr. HurstTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to increase the opportunities for older people to take educational courses which do not lead to a qualification. [188548]
§ 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 which do not lead to a qualification, including for older people. 1804W 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. Over half (51 per cent.) of learners on these courses are aged 55 or over.