HL Deb 24 November 1987 vol 490 cc532-4

2.52 p.m.

Baroness Fisher of Rednal

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are satisfied with the programmes undertaken in schools by the technical and vocational initiative.

Lord Beaverbrook

My Lords, in general, yes. The technical and vocational education initiative started in 1983. The initiative has been monitored by the Manpower Services Commission and by Her Majesty's Inspectorate. The positive response from the large number of authorities concerned reflects the wide support the initiative has received. The Government have announced the progressive extension of the initiative nationally starting from autumn this year.

Baroness Fisher of Rednal

My, Lords, I thank the Minister for that full reply. Can he say how schools will be fitting the TVI programmes into the proposed new national curriculum when the vocational part of TVI is taking approximately 30 per cent. of the school week?

Lord Beaverbrook

My Lords, TVI will continue to exist in harmony with the national curriculum, enhancing the relevance of what is taught within a framework set by the curriculum. The lessons of TVI have a valuable contribution to make to the development of the national curriculum, particularly in science and technology, and the MSC is closely in touch with the Department of Education and Science on this issue.

In addition, the 14 to 18 year-old initiative extends beyond the period of compulsory schooling covered by the national curriculum. As regards the vocational element of TVI, its aims and criteria require the curriculum to be broad, balanced and relevant in accordance with established government policy on education as set out in 1985 White Paper, Better Schools.

Baroness Carnegy of Lour

My Lords, I should like to thank my noble friend for that response. It is extremely helpful to the House in perceiving the value of TVI. Does he agree that in its excellent survey of TVI, the National Confederation of Parent-Teachers Associations asked parents whether, in relation to their children's schooling in general, they felt that they had enough say in what their children learnt, and how? Further, as a result of that question, much more than half said they did not have enough say. Can my noble friend say how his right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science will ensure that that fact is reflected in the implementations of the new Education Bill?

Lord Beaverbrook

My Lords, I should like to point out to my noble friend that the Question relates essentially to the Department of Employment. However, as regards the Education Bill and TVI, your Lordships will have an opportunity to debate the Bill in due course. TVI will continue to enhance the relevance of what is taught within the framework of the Government's education policies.

Baroness Turner of Camden

My Lords, will the Minister tell the House whether he is satisfied that enough encouragement is being given to girls under the TVI programme to take up courses in technical education in areas of non-traditional employment?

Lord Beaverbrook

My Lords, TVI is supposed to be completely non-sexist and non-racist. I do not know the answer to the specific point raised by the noble Baroness, but I shall look into the matter and write to her.

Lord Kilmarnock

My Lords, arising from the supplementary question of the noble Baroness, Lady Carnegy, will the noble Lord say whether the Government intend to reply to the National Confederation of Parent-Teachers Associations' report on parental perceptions of TVI? I understand that it was commissioned in combination with the Manpower Services Commission, and therefore it would appear that a government response would be appropriate. Will the noble Lord comment on that matter?

Lord Beaverbrook

My Lords, I do not have an answer today as regards a response to the report. However, I shall look into the matter and write to the noble Lord and to my noble friend.

Baroness Fisher of Rednal

My Lords, will the noble Lord give the House an indication of the problem of placing students for their fortnightly work experience during the course of their study? Is it not the case that places are now drying up in many parts of the country?

Lord Beaverbrook

My Lords, I believe that that is not necessarily the case. Again, I should like to look at the matter more closely, and I shall respond to the noble Baroness when I have spoken to my right honourable friend.