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Business of the House

I am well aware of the concern that has arisen throughout the country. I am sure, however, that the hon. Gentleman will accept the principle that is being operated, which is that the resources that are available should primarily be devoted to ensuring that people have the opportunity of gaining employment, which means that we will concentrate more of the available money on training and on vocational opportunities. That is not to say that adult learning is not an important part of the wider learning programme that the Government intend to continue. We must obtain the right balance between the contribution from those who are participating in what are often leisure activities rather than simply pure learning and the contribution that the Government make. I am not in any way dismissing these proper concerns and I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for raising the matter.