HC Deb 27 February 1990 vol 168 cc122-3
2. Mr. Devlin

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he is taking to encourage the teaching of music in schools.

The Minister of State, Department of Education and Science (Mrs. Angela Rumbold)

Music is a foundation subject in the national curriculum. This means that it will form part of the curriculum for every pupil aged five to 16 in maintained schools in England and Wales. We hope to make an announcement soon on the machinery to be set up to advise on the national curriculum requirements for music.

Mr. Devlin

Is my hon. Friend aware that in Cleveland substantial fees are now proposed for children taking part in musical activity out of school hours, if the school is not under direct local education authority control? The basis of the scheme is that the amount will be deducted from the budget of all county schools as part of the central funding arrangements under the local management of schools. The parents of children attending private schools, and other schools outside LEA control will have to pay a substantial sum each term, despite the fact that they already pay rates or community charge.

Mrs. Rumbold

I was not aware of it, but I deplore it. Traditionally, children attending independent and LEA schools have been able to take part in extracurricular activities such as playing in local youth orchestras. Asking the parents of independent school pupils to pay exhibits vindictiveness on the part of the local authority, and I hope that community charge payers will take up the matter with their local finance directors.

Ms. Walley

Is the Minister aware that music has been designated an official shortage subject? Many schools have no music teacher in post, making it impossible to introduce the national curriculum.

Mrs. Rumbold

We are taking steps to ensure that there are enough music teachers when the national curriculum music requirement comes into full force. We are already looking to schools to deliver the music element of the national curriculum—as they are under an obligation to do—and we trust that when the official requirements come into force in two years' time, there will be enough music teachers to carry out the necessary duties.

Mr. Key

Will my hon. Friend reconsider the question of solo and group singing teaching? Despite her best endeavours, the continuing confusion about charges is very detrimental to music nationally.

Mrs. Rumbold

I shall certainly undertake to do that. When choral singing is part of the school curriculum there is no question of charging for lessons, but when individual tuition is given for purposes unconnected with examinations, schools may charge under the legislation.