A Scottish Parliament debate on the subject welcomed the Scottish Government's commitment contained within the new 'Curriculum for Excellence' to put literacy at its heart along with other initiatives aimed at tackling the issue of adult illiteracy.

Speaking in the debate Sandra White welcomed the Government's actions in addressing these concerns, whilst adding that more had to be done to understand the reasons behind a fall in literacy rates.

She specifically pointed to the fact that technological changes now mean that youngsters spend less time reading and that alongside improving academical attainment in literacy we must look at how best to encourage youngsters into the habit of reading in general.

Commenting  Sandra said: "It was refreshing to see such consensus across the chamber and I know from experience that what people want to see is all parties working together for the benefit of all"

"However I think that in our drive to improve literacy we must be careful that we do not unwittingly turn young people off reading because they see it as merely academic and something to be tested and quantified as we know those from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to leave school without the necessary skills to realise their potential and studies have shown that many find themselves in this situation because they find it difficult to accept the testing and qualification structures which make up a large part of our educational system."

"I believe it is important for youngsters to enjoy reading and to see it as a fun actively, something which stimulates their imagination and makes them want to read more as I’m sure we can all recall a time when it’s hard to keep our eyes open; when we know we should turn off the light but are compelled to read the next page, the next chapter."

"Now I know it might be difficult to encourage them to go from Charlie and Lola to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory but it’s something I believe we must recapture if we are to both drive up and sustain levels of literacy."