HC Deb 27 June 1968 vol 767 cc110-1W
Mr. Ensor

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science, in view of the fact that under his rule No. 16 private schools of English for foreign visitors may undergo voluntary inspection and that, despite repeated requests from schools already recognised as efficient under that rule, no regular re-inspections are carried out, if he will now give an assurance that regular re-inspections of such schools will take place in future.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

I cannot trace the requests to which my hon. Friend refers but if he will send me details of the cases he has in mind I will gladly look into them.

Mr. Ensor

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action Her Majesty's Government are taking to ensure that the teaching of English as a foreign language in all schools in Great Britain is satisfactory and to ensure the highest possible standards of efficiency in this field.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

All private English language schools recognised as efficient by my Department are open to Her Majesty's Inspectorate and have the benefit of their advice on methods of teaching.

My Department has no power to inspect other English language schools which cater solely for students over compulsory school age, but is always prepared to consider further applications for recognition.