§ 1. Mr. Watkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if, in the light of the current costs to parents of examination fees, he remains satisfied with procedures related to O-level and CSE examinations.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science (Miss Margaret Jackson)In general, yes. GCE and CSE examination fees for pupils in maintained schools are normally paid not by parents but by local education authorities. The level of these fees is at the discretion of the examining boards.
§ Mr. WatkinsonIs my hon. Friend aware that in Gloucestershire, following the public expenditure cuts, fees are being charged to parents for public examinations? Does she agree that this tax on excellence is regrettable, and will she ensure that no child is denied the right to sit these examinations?
§ Miss JacksonI am aware that the Gloucestershire authority has made recent announcements about charges and restrictions on the number of entrants. My Department will be asking the authority for details of its decisions and we shall look into the matter when we receive that information.
§ Mr. LaneWill the hon. Lady—whose gracious presence on the Front Bench we 1078 all welcome—and her hon. Friends look critically at any proposal for changing the present system, bearing in mind the paramount importance of maintaining the highest academic standards?
§ Miss JacksonYes, Sir.