§ Mr. George Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many occasions in the last six years he has made directions to the Scottish Examinations Board under section 129(2) of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980.
§ Mr. Allan StewartMy right hon. Friend has not in the last six years made any formal directions to the board using these powers.
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§ Mr. George Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the budget of the Scottish Examinations Board devoted to public information; and what publications are presently available outlining the method of working of the board.
§ Mr. Allan StewartThe actual expenditure of the board on publications in 1983 and 1984 was £12,143 and £13,058 respectively. The board's approved estimate for 1985 is £23,920 which includes £10,000 for publicity in relation to the new standard grade courses. Publications presently available which outline the board's method of working are listed in appendix B (page 258) of the "Scottish Certificate of Education Examination Conditions and Arrangements 1986", a copy of which I have placed in the Library of the House.
Additionally, the board issue letters, circulars, explanatory material and exemplars as necessary to all education authorities and presenting centres. Copies of these are available to other interested bodies and individuals on application to the board.
§ Mr. George Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will arrange for the Scottish Examinations Board to publish for the public an outline of its procedures in awarding passes in the Scottish certificate of education.
§ Mr. Allan StewartMy right hon. Friend has taken this up with the board.
§ Mr. George Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will place in the Library a copy of the letter of 15 November 1979 from the Scottish Examinations Board outlining the board's awarding procedures.
§ Mr. Allan StewartMy right hon. Friend has done so.