HC Deb 07 July 1997 vol 297 cc325-6W
Mr. Rowe

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, given that virtually the only citizens who have to go to school are children, will the hon. Gentleman consider extending the citizens charter to make it clear that schools are expected to deliver children's ability to read, write and figure?

Mr. Kilfoyle

[pursuant to his reply 2 July 1997, Official Report, column 287]: The hon. Gentleman will be pleased to know that one of the forums that I shall soon be meeting will consist of young children, the future citizens of this country. Moreover, we have worked in partnership with the Centre for Citizenship Studies in Education at Leicester University and in consultation with the National Consumer Council to ensure that more than 1,700 secondary schools in England that wished to do so received a pack relating directly to their interests.