Mr. Andy StewartTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what discussions he has held concerning education and inner-city policy; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeExisting and potential inner-city employers frequently emphasise to me the importance of education and training in enabling inner city residents to take advantage of the growing number of employment opportunities. The Government are encouraging links between inner-city schools and employers through, for example, compacts, which assure school leavers who reach required standards of a job or job interview. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment is offering financial support for a further 12 compacts in inner-city areas in England. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science has recognised the importance of providing good science and technology based education for inner-city children by promoting city technology colleges and all inner-city schools will benefit from his education reforms and introduction of the new national curriculum.