§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what representations he has received concerning the practical input in home economics in the national curriculum; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ForthMy right hon. Friend has received conflicting representations about the place of aspects of home economics in the national curriculum. In addition to those aspects included in national curriculum mathematics and science, the proposals for a revised national curriculum technology order, which my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Education and for Wales issued640W for consultation in December, make clear their view that pupils should learn to apply designing and making skills to textiles and food, as to other materials, as part of the programmes of study for this subject.