§ Mr. Patrick Thompsonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on his proposals to introduce distinction and merit certificates within the general certificate of secondary education examinations.
§ Sir Keith JosephIn the light of the earlier consultations, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I intend shortly to bring forward for further consultation revised proposals, which will accommodate some of the points made by those consulted while seeking to promote the Government's objective of encouraging all pupils, including the ablest, to follow broad and balanced curricula. The need for further consultation means that it will not be practicable for these revised proposals for distinction and merit certificates to be introduced as soon as 1988, the first year in which GCSE certificates will be awarded.