Written question asked by Alan Hurst (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 September 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 October 2004. It was answered by Ivan Lewis (Labour) on Monday, 4 October 2004 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To 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. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Hurst: To 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 Lewis: Our 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. 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.

Secondary information