Oral Answers to Questions — Schools Council (Chairman)

– in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 30 March 1976.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Mr David Lane Mr David Lane , Cambridge 12:00, 30 March 1976

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he next expects to meet the Chairman of the Schools Council.

Photo of Mr Fred Mulley Mr Fred Mulley , Sheffield Park

I spent most of last Wednesday 24th March with him, and have no immediate plans for a further meeting at present.

Photo of Mr David Lane Mr David Lane , Cambridge

Will the Secretary of State keep in mind that although changes in the present examination arrangements may be desirable, the proposals by the Schools Council have run into very serious criticism from a large body of informed educational opinion throughout the country?

Photo of Mr Fred Mulley Mr Fred Mulley , Sheffield Park

I read about these matters from time to time in the education Press, but no such proposals have reached me and it would be injudicious, to say the least, to comment on proposals before they are submitted.

Photo of Mr Norman St John-Stevas Mr Norman St John-Stevas , Chelmsford

In view of the widespread concern and the possible harmful effects of a single examination on standards in school and in higher education, will the Secretary of State assure the House that he will take no final decision on any proposals until he has had further and widespread discussion with industry, the professions and the universities about the desirability of this examination?

Photo of Mr Fred Mulley Mr Fred Mulley , Sheffield Park

I certainly give the hon. Member the assurance that I shall take no decision before I have studied the proposals. I have no reason to suppose that the proposals will come to me in the same form as they were sent out for consultation. I shall want to consider them carefully.