§ Mr. Keyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are his conclusions following his consultations on the place of economic awareness within the school curriculum.
§ Sir Keith JosephI continue to hold strongly to the view, expressed in paragraph 71 of the White Paper "Better Schools", that some awareness by school pupils of economic matters is a prerequisite for citizenship and employment. I am encouraged, therefore, that the consultations indicate much support for my view that all pupils should be equipped with some economic awareness and understanding by the time they reach the age of 16. Accordingly I have today invited the School Curriculum Development Committee, in what I regard as a fitting initiative for Industry Year, to consider what additional development work it might encourage and support in this area of the curriculum; copies of the Department's letter have been placed in the Library.