§ Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what response he has made to the report of the Gulbenkian foundation entitled "Arts in Schools".
§ Mr. DunnMy right hon. Friend was sent a copy of the report in January 1982. In his reply to the foundation he noted that the report was a timely contribution to the
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§ Mr. DunnCurrent projections by the Department are given in the attached table. They do not take into account the early information now available on staying-on at school and enrolment at FE this autumn.
curriculum discussions being undertaken at local level. He pointed out that the Government's document of guidance "The School Curriculum"—a copy of which is available in the Library — identifies aesthetic subjects as an essential part of the primary school curriculum, and makes quite clear that pupils should retain opportunities for aestheic activity up to the end of their compulsory schooling. An extended statement of the Government's view was given by my noble Friend Lord Elton in the House of Lords on 5 April 1982. — [Vol. 429, c. 98–105.]