HC Deb 23 October 1987 vol 120 cc905-6W
Mr. Allen

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what provision he proposes to make in the national curriculum for educating young people on their rights to vote; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Rumbold

The Government's proposals for a national curriculum do not include political education as a foundation subject. It may however be taught through the medium of foundation subjects such as history, or among the non-foundation subjects. We are aware of the need to use the national curriculum to help to encourage a sense of social responsibility among young people; this will be drawn to the attention of the working groups which also will advise my right hon. Friend on attainment targets and programmes of study for relevant subjects.

Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received concerning the proposed legislation on charges for certain aspects of state school education.

Mrs. Rumbold

The Government's recent consultation document on charging for school activities was issued in the light of a number of requests from individuals, local authorities and the local authority associations for clarification of the law. The document was issued on 2 October, requesting comments by 30 November. Fewer than 50 responses have so far been received. Copies of the consultation document are available in the Library of the House.

Mr. Andrew Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many responses he has received to each of the consultative documents on changes to the education system; what are the figures for each local education authority area; and what are the numbers and percentages of responses broadly for and against each of the proposals.

Mrs. Rumbold

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member for Blackburn (Mr. Straw) on 22 October. The information on the numbers of responses from each local education authority area could only be provided at disproportionate cost. The Department is still analysing the many thoughtful responses received to each of the consultation papers; many respondents have commented in some detail and responses could not readily be classified as requested.