§ 7. Mr. Madelasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he expects to receive the report from Her Majesty's inspectors' survey of good practice in schools in relation to homework: and if he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Education and Science (Mr. Chris Patten)My right hon. Friend hopes to receive this report during the summer.
§ Mr. MadelAs part of the policy of raising standards in the classroom, at what age do the Government think that homework should be compulsory for children? Do the Government accept that arrangements should be made for some children to do their homework at school at the end of the day if conditions at home are difficult?
§ Mr. PattenI agree that where facilities are made available for doing homework at school, they are most welcome. I hope that Her Majesty's inspectors' survey will offer some useful evidence of current practices which will enable us to answer my hon. Friend's first question. I would point to the important role of parents in helping younger children especially with reading at home.