HC Deb 03 November 1987 vol 121 cc627-8W
20. Mr. Evennett

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he is taking to improve the standards of English teaching in schools.

Mrs. Rumbold

English will be one of the core subjects in the national curriculum. We intend to establish a working group to advise on attainment targets and programmes of study for pupils. It will draw upon the conclusions of the Kingman committee which my right hon. Friend set up to recommend what teachers and pupils should know specifically about the workings of the English language. We are also providing education support grants to develop oral work in schools; and we are funding the school curriculum development committee's national projects to improve pupils' writing and oral skills.