§ Mr. Christopher Priceasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will make a statement on the report of the committee on the teaching of reading and the use of English in schools.
§ Mr. PrenticeThe report of the committee under the chairmanship of Sir Alan Bullock was published earlier today. I am glad to have this opportunity of expressing my thanks to Sir Alan Bullock and his colleagues. They have made a full and thorough examination of the subject. Their report will be of lasting value and deserves to be widely read. Some of the committee's recommendations call for additional resources and their implementation will have to be postponed for the time being. Many others, however, could be put into effect within the current estimates of educational expenditure either by redeployment of resources or by changes in practice. Most recommendations are addressed to schools and teachers and only a few directly to the Government. I hope that all with responsibilities in education will read this report carefully. I expect to have discussions with 357W representatives of the teachers and local authorities after they have had the opportunity of considering it.