§ 36. Mr. Longdenasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many pupils, at the latest convenient date, have left their primary school, and their secondary school, respectively, unable to read; by what criteria the inspectorate measures ability to read; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Edward ShortIt is not possible to judge reading ability in the absolute way the hon. Member suggests. Her Majesty's Inspectorate have carried out surveys at regular intervals since 1948 using a constant objective test devised by Dr. A. F. Watts and Professor P. E. Vernon. These surveys show steadily rising reading standards.