§ Mr. John E. B. Hillasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action she proposes to take in the light of the report by the National Foundation for Educational Research, a copy of which is in her possession, on the most recent surveys of reading standards.
§ Mrs. ThatcherI have already announced my intention to set up a committee of inquiry. Its terms of reference will be
To consider in relation to schools:and to make recommendations.
- (a) all aspects of teaching the use of English including reading, writing and speech;
- (b) how present practice might be improved, and the role that initial and in-service teacher training might play;
- (c) to what extent arrangements for monitoring the general level of attainment in these skills can be introduced or improved;
The House will be glad to know that Sir Alan Bullock, Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University, has agreed to serve as chairman. I hope to be able to announce the names of the other members of the Committee shortly.