§ 20. Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the number and proportion of students in colleges and departments of education who receive no instruction in the teaching of reading.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeA survey completed earlier this year showed that all students in the colleges sampled had received some instruction in the subject.
§ Mr. HardyWill the hon. Gentleman take steps to ensure that adequate instruction is given to all students in colleges and departments of education, particularly since it is obvious that the vast majority of teachers sooner or later in their careers are involved in class teach- 1414 ing and need to know a good deal about this important subject?
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeThis question, I think, will almost certainly be a matter which the inquiry will consider, but the hon. Gentleman will be aware that it was only very recently that A.T.Os were asked to investigate, or had their attention drawn to, this matter, at the request of the previous Secretary of State.