Written question asked by Desmond Turner (Labour) on Thursday, 9 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 23 November 2000. It was answered by Malcolm Wicks (Labour) on Thursday, 23 November 2000 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, What plans he has to reduce the number of adults who lack basic literacy and numeracy skills. (Failed OPQ). - Includes figures.

Answer: Dr. Desmond Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to reduce the number of adults who lack basic literacy and numeracy skills. [138375] Mr. Wicks: The Government are committed to tackling poor literacy and numeracy among adults. In September my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced a target to reduce the number of adults with weak literacy and numeracy skills by 750,000 by 2004. He also announced an increase in annual spending on measures to improve literacy and numeracy skills from £241 million this year to £403 million in 2004. A detailed strategy will be issued shortly.

Secondary information