Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if the Government will ensure that the current number of places in adult education classes on numeracy and literacy will be maintained following the projected merging of further education institutions.

The post 16 area reviews are aimed at improving the quality and relevance of the teaching offer to learners as well as ensuring the long term financial viability of colleges. The reviews take account of the best available evidence including the demand for numeracy and literacy in the local area. 22 area reviews are underway and there is no evidence that access to learning, including access to adult education classes on numeracy and literacy, is being reduced as a result of the area reviews.