§ Mr. DorrellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment for what reasons the powers to be given to schools in education action zones to opt out of the School Teachers" Pay and Conditions Act 1991 and of some of the requirements of the National Curriculum are not being extended to other schools. [26803]
§ Mr. ByersThe proposals will enable schools in zones to find new ways of raising standards.
We shall closely monitor the effectiveness of the various initiatives developed in the zones. Until a full evaluation has taken place it would not be appropriate to adopt changes on a national basis.