HC Deb 13 January 1981 vol 996 c845
9. Mr. Greenway

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many groups of examining boards there will be to administer the proposed single system of examination at the age of 16 years.

Mr. Macfarlane

Final details have yet to be settled, but my right hon. and learned Friend believes that four groups in England and one covering Wales will prove to be the best solution.

Mr. Greenway

I have no doubt thay my hon. Friend will seek to make the examination as widely available as possible. May we have an assurance that when he examines the competing claims of the many groups that will seek to be members of the boards there will be adequate university representation?

Mr. Macfarlane

I give that assurance. I confirm that since my Department invited comments last May from the examination boards and other major interests the widest possible consultation has taken place. Within the last 24 hours my noble Friend the Minister of State has written to the organisations telling them of the plans.

Mr. R. C. Mitchell

Is the Minister aware that a large number of children are likely to be deterred from staying on at school to take their examinations at 16 years of age because of the new regulations published by the DHSS?

Mr. Macfarlane

I do not believe that that follows. Time will tell.