asked the Paymaster General (1) whether his Department has investigated the possibility of using spare capacity in existing school buildings for the purpose of adult education and training;(2) if he will request the chairman of the Manpower Services Commission to undertake a feasibility study of the joint use of school premises for the education of both children and adults; and if he will make a statement.

My Department, via the Manpower Services Commission, contracts with various bodies to run adult training courses at the most cost effective rates. It is up to the training providers concerned, which will include local education authorities, to satisfy the Manpower Services Commission that the general training arrangements including the provision of accommodation, are adequate. It is for each local education authority to decide how best to use the facilities available to it.