§ Dr. Glynasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will initiate discussions with examining boards about the implications for the evaluation of performance at recent and forthcoming O and A level examinations of the number of children whose schooling has been disrupted by strike action by teaching staff; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Chris PattenMy right hon. Friend and I share the deep concern which pupils and parents have about the current action being taken by teachers. We deplore any such action which harms children's education and which might damage their performance in public examinations and their future prospects.
The effect of the action so far is inevitably difficult to quantify and will have varied from school to school. It is open to schools to draw to the attention of the GCE and CSE examinations boards any relevant factors affecting pupils' examination performance, and the boards have indicated that they will consider any such details provided in accordance with their normal practice. My right hon. Friend therefore at present has no plans to hold discussions with the boards.