§ Mr. Greenwayasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on progress to implement the 17-plus intermediate examination.
§ Mr. William SheltonSince the publication in May of our consultative document "17 +: A New Qualification", we have received many helpful comments. Possible alternative administrative arrangements which were circulated for discussion in September can be regarded as overtaken by the very recent joint statement of intent by the Business and Technician Education Councils and the City and Guilds of London Institute. The latter statement represents major progress towards a practical solution of the problem and we are indebted to those who have prepared it. We are encouraging urgent discussion of the remaining issues by those concerned with the aim of reaching agreement early in the new year so that we can keep to or even improve on the planned timetable for the implementation of the 17-plus CPVE courses.