HC Deb 04 March 1986 vol 93 c104W
17. Mr. Hayes

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what extra resources he plans to make available for the funding of the general certificate of secondary education examinations.

Mr. Chris Patten

The general criteria for the GCSE provide that syllabuses and methods of assessment should not make unreasonable demands on human or financial resources. The Government's expenditure plans should allow authorities to make appropriate provision for the GCSE provided that they take advantage of the scope of efficiency savings and contain their costs. However, my right hon. Friend has received representations on this issue and has undertaken to give the matter further consideration.