HC Deb 02 November 1976 vol 918 cc534-5W
16. Mr. Christopher Price

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what new proposals she intends to bring forward in the light of the Prime Minister's speech on education at Oxford on 18th October.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

Following discussions over the next three or 4 months, my Department will put forward proposals as a basis for further consultation.

21. Mr. Newton

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when she expects to announce firm policy proposals for raising educational standards.

25. Miss Fookes

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what practical measures she intends to take to improve the standards of attainment of pupils in schools in England and Wales.

26. Mr. Goodlad

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proposals for policy changes she proposes to bring forward in the light of the Prime Minister's speech on education at Oxford on 18th October.

29. Mr. MacGregor

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what measures she proposes to take to ensure that school leavers and students are better fitted with the skills necessary for working life.

38. Mr. Forman

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what contribution she proposes to make to the national debate on education recently joined by the Prime Minister.

46. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans she has for encouraging local education authorities and teachers to place more emphasis on the place of mathematics, the sciences and engineering in their school and college curricula.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

As I stated in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Conway (Mr Roberts) on 26th October—[Vol. 918, c.107]—during the next three or four months I intend to discuss the school curriculum and the maintenance of educational standards with organisations representing teachers, their employers, industry and the TUC. These discussions will be followed early next year by wider consultation on specific proposals. The Government's policy on curricula and standards in schools will be announced as soon as possible thereafter.

48. Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many letters she has received from the general public since the Prime Minister's speech on education at Oxford on Monday 18th October.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

To date my Department has received 131 letters relating directly to the Prime Minister's speech.