Dan Rogerson MP for North Cornwall

Today Dan Rogerson, MP for North Cornwall, asked the Secretary of State for Education Alan Johnson MP what was going to be done to ensure the full provision of adult education in Cornwall.

This follows a series of cuts in funding of FE education by the Government which has meant that both Bodmin College and Cornwall College, among others, have had to reduce drastically the number of places on adult education course that the previously provided.

When asked to make a statement on the recent changes to provision of adult education courses at colleges, the Minister responded that some 4.8 billion was going to be spent on further education on 2006/2007 and that the focus was going to be on those who lacked even the most basic skills that employers are looking for.

Mr Rogerson then responded by asking why it was that courses for those with Special Education Needs were being cancelled in Cornwall, given that these are supposedly a priority for the Government too.

The Minister then replied that he did not know why this might be the case, and invited Mr Rogerson to write to him so that the problem could be addressed.

Dan Rogerson said:

"It is appalling that while the Government talks about opportunities for all, the Chancellor announces more and more cuts in provision for adult education – this year it was another 4%."

"It is also very worrying that the Government seems unaware that such courses are being cut in places like Cornwall, and I am very concerned that this situation be addressed. I will be writing without delay to the Minister, demanding to know why so many adults with educational needs are being ignored."

"The people of Cornwall are missing out on vital opportunities which would enable them to develop and learn new skills. Not only are they missing out, but the whole of the Cornish economy is. The skills that adults learn in our colleges play a crucial part in widening and diversifying the business economy. We have the talent in Cornwall, we just need the Government to give us the opportunity to tap into it."

Notes to editors:
Dan Rogerson today asked the Education Minister to make a statement on the recent changes to provision of adult education courses at colleges today in Education Oral Questions at 10.30

He followed this up with a supplementary question, asking why courses for those with Special Educational Needs have been cut in Cornwall.