HC Deb 22 May 1986 vol 98 cc270-1W
Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will now institute a review of the relationship between vocational and academic qualifications in the over-16 age group, in the light of the conclusions of the De Ville report on that subject; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chris Patten

The report of the review group on vocational qualifications was submitted to Ministers on 23 April and published on 8 May. The Government are not yet ready to announce their conclusions on the report or on any aspect or implication of it. I can, however, assure the hon. Member that my right hon. Friend is aware of the importance of ensuring a clear relationship between all qualifications available to the post-16 age group for the purposes of progression to higher education and to employment.