§ Mr. Kinseyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if, following the recommendation by the Select Committee on Race Relations, she will now make a statement on the collection of statistics relating to immigrant pupils.
§ Mrs. ThatcherI accept the recommendation by the Select Committee that the collection of these statistics should cease. The return that would otherwise have been made in January 1974 will not now be required.
I am giving careful consideration to the Select Committee's report generally and will let the House know the Government's reply as soon as possible. But I take this opportunity of affirming the aim of the education service to meet the educational needs of immigrants as of other children, with particular emphasis on their language needs where appropriate.