HC Deb 16 March 1981 vol 1 cc32-3W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will state his policy on education for a multi-ethnic society; what steps are being taken to encourage ethnic minorities to participate in education; if he is satisfied with the current provision of resources for in-service training and curriculum development for multi-ethnic education; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Boyson

My right hon. and learned Friend had these and related issues in mind when he announced the terms of reference of the committee of inquiry into the education of children from ethnic minority groups, under the chairmanship of Mr. Anthony Rampton. The committee has just completed its interim report on West Indian children, but still has much work to do before making its final recommendations. The Government's present policy is that educational provision should take into account the different cultural backgrounds of pupils and should reflect the presence of many different minority groups in our country.