§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he is taking to encourage the teaching of English grammar; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. RumboldThe Government attach great importance to the study of English language. Last year my right hon. Friend established a committee under the chairmanship of Sir John Kingman to advise on what, in general terms, children need to know about how the English language works, and in consequence what they should have been taught and be expected to understand on this score at ages 7, 11 and 16. The committee's report is expected next month. Under our proposals for a national curriculum, English will be a core subject. A working group will be established after Easter, following and building on the work of the Kingman committee, to advise on attainment targets for ages 7, 11, 14 and 16 and the associated programmes of study for all aspects of English.