§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the implications and effects of the proposals in Government consultation and financial delegation documents on the national curriculum, upon physical education, including extracurricular activity in the schools of Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsThe Government recognise the importance of sport and physical education for children and for this reason the consultation document on the national curriculum proposes including it as a foundation subject.
The proposals for financial delegation do not have any direct impact upon physical education, although the consultation document recognises the need to make appropriate arrangements for the use of community facilities in schools.
§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had on the national curriculum and financial delegation with district and county councils concerning physical education; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsCopies of the consultation documents on the national curriculum and financial delegation were sent to the Welsh Counties Committee, the Committee of Welsh District Councils and to individual county councils. My right hon. Friend and I have discussed them with the Welsh Joint Education Committee and the Welsh Consultative Council on Local Government Finance, and our officials have held a series of meetings with interested bodies. Consultation responses covered the whole range of issues raised and only one county council made any reference to the position of physical education.