§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what 268W evidence he has received to support the view of the Schools Council that levels of basic skills and general competence can best be assessed by additional types of written examinations conducted nationally; and what inquiries he has caused to be made on this matter.
§ Dr. BoysonI assume the hon. Member is referring to the Schools Council's views on a recommendation in the Keohane report that communication and numerical skills for candidates in the Certificate of Extended Education (CEE) should be tested by proficiency tests in English and mathematics. The council has indicated that it would be ready to participate in the design and construction of suitable tests possibly on a national basis, if a CEE is established. Its comments are now being studied alongside evidence from other bodies.