ADULT LEARNERS' WEEK 9 TO 15 MAY

Early day motion 1430, tabled 6 May 2009 by Lord Willetts (Conservative). Signed by 29 members.

That this House welcomes Adult Learners' Week and the events being organised all over the country to celebrate the achievements of adult learners; notes with regret the cuts to the number of Learning and Skills Council-funded adult learner places, which have led to 865,000 fewer female learners and 375,000 fewer male learners since 2004-05; is concerned about the opportunities that have been closed to some of the most vulnerable people, including those with learning disabilities and other disabilities; regrets the failure to plan the adult apprenticeship budget, which is likely to lead to a decrease in the number of places available; is further concerned about the slow pace of the Government's attempt to deal with the capital crisis in further education; and calls on Ministers to provide new opportunities to adult learners during the recession.

Signatures by party: Conservative 16, Liberal Democrat 6, Labour 4, DUP 1, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1.