§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what further progress has been made towards the introduction of a single examination for all 16-year-olds by 1987; when he expects to approve this; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. BoysonThe joint council of GCE and CSE boards has recently published preliminary proposals for national criteria for a single system of examinations at 16-plus. The council hopes to submit final drafts to the Secretary of State by the end of this year, but it is too early to say when the proposals will be approved. My right hon. Friend will decide on the publication of a further statement by the Government when he has studied all the implications.