§ Mr. Longdenasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many pupils, at the latest convenient date, have left their primary school and their secondary school, respectively, unable to read; by what criteria the inspectorate measures ability to read; whether he is satisfied that colleges of education teach students how to teach reading; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Edward ShortI would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his Question of 6th February, 1969. A further survey of reading ability will be carried out this year, covering pupils of 11 and 15 years of age. The teaching of reading forms an important part of the college of education curriculum which is under constant surveillance and I know that colleges have been giving increasing attention to this subject.—[Vol. 777, c.140.]