§ Sir Fergus MontgomeryTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he remains satisfied with the progress made in implementing the general certificate of secondary education ; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. RumboldEvidence from Her Majesty's inspectorate and elsewhere shows that the GCSE is already leading to significant improvements in teaching and learning. However, the Government do not underestimate the continuing commitment required on the part of teachers and others in the education service to realise the full benefits of the GCSE. My right hon. Friend demonstrated the Government's own continuing commitment in the Government's expenditure plans for 1988–89, which allow for some £87 million of local authority expenditure on GCSE non-teaching costs. As in 1987–88, the Government are providing as much as the local authorities say they need. It is for local authorities to ensure that the available resources are targeted on priority needs.