§ 14. Mr. Watsonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the current position over the proposed new examination for pupils at 17-plus; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. William SheltonMy right hon. Friend hopes to make an announcement before Easter.
§ Mr. WatsonDoes my hon. Friend feel that a separate examination board will be necessary for the 17-plus, or does he believe that the existing City and Guilds of London Institute can do the job perfectly well?
§ Mr. SheltonI must ask my hon. Friend to wait a little for the full details, but I can tell him that a joint board will be validating the examination.
§ Mr. KinnockIf the Secretary of State is in favour of a 17-plus examination to meet modern needs and to have a wide coverage, will the Minister urge his right hon. Friend to introduce a £25 grant for all youngsters staying on in education after the age of 16 so that they will' not be afflicted by the great payment differential between those who undertake the youth training scheme and those who continue in full-time education without that financial inducement and advantage and with great difficulties for their families?
§ Mr. SheltonI do not believe that the hon. Gentleman was paying attention when I answered question No. 5.