§ Mr. Montgomeryasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what action her Department has taken to encourage schools to provide more opportunities for their pupils to participate in community service programmes; and if she will make a statement;
(2) what estimates she has made of the number of schools that provide opportunities for their pupils to participate in community service programmes and of the number of children participating in such schemes.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasMy right hon. Friend has no powers in relation to the secular curriculum of schools, and does not collect statistics of this kind. It is for local education authorities, governors and head teachers to decide whether and how to involve pupils in community service, and many schools are known to participate. Her Majesty's Inspectors are available for advice in this as in other areas and are arranging a short course for teachers later this year. The Schools Council Working Paper "Community Service and the Curriculum" gives general advice.