§ Mr. Brightasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether the Government have received any comments from Luton sixth form college on recognising the certificate of extended education; and if so, what was its response.
§ Dr. BoysonTwo letters from the college have been received on this subject. The Department's replies have indicated that they will be taken into account with comments from other interested bodies on the recommendations of the Keohane report.
§ Mr. Brightasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations the Government have received from employers and trades unions in regard to national recognition for the certificate of extended education.
§ Dr. BoysonThe CBI and the TUC have commented with approval on a number of the recommendations in the Keohane report.
§ Mr. Brightasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether the Government intend to approve the continuation of the existing schemes involving the certificate of extended education beyond 1980–81.
§ Dr. BoysonMy right hon. and learned Friend is examining the comments he has received on the recommendations of the Keohane report, in the light of other proposals concerning school examinations taken after the age of 16. Until he has reached a decision on these complex issues the future of the pilot examinations for the certificate of extended education cannot be settled.
§ Mr. Brightasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what bodies have commented on the recommendation of the Keohane committee that the certificate of extended education be nationally recognised; and when the Government expect to announce their decision.
§ Dr. BoysonThe Schools Council, the local authority associations, teacher associations, the school examination boards and further education examining bodies,296W the CBI and the TUC have all commented on the recommendations in this report. It will be some time before my right hon. and learned Friend can announce his decision.