§ Mr. PendryTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps his Department will take to protect the position of sport and physical recreation in the national curriculum for pupils aged 14 to 16 years.
§ Mr. EggarPhysical education, which includes sport, will be a compulsory part of the curriculum in all maintained schools for the first time under the requirements of the national curriculum. My right hon. Friend has asked the National Curriculum Council for advice on increasing flexibility in the curriculum framework for 14 to 16-year-olds. Their advice will be submitted in early November. Whatever the outcome of this consultation, we expect the great majority of pupils in this age group to undertake some form of physical education.