§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his policy towards the establishment of a national curriculum for schools; if he will consult local education authorities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth BakerAs I told the North of England education conference on 9 January, I favour establishing a national curriculum which works through national criteria for each subject area of the curriculum. These criteria must be capable of change and development; and must be arrived at by a process of national dialogue, in which local education authorities would be among those with a part to play. I also said that I should now like to hear from those concerned, both within the education service and outside it, where they stand on this matter. I am sending to my hon. Friend a copy of the speech I made on 9 January.