§ 24. Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Eduation and Science what representations he has received on Her Majesty's inspectorate's report on the introduction of the general certificate of secondary education; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. RumboldI refer the hon. Member to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave earlier to the hon. Member for Blaydon (Mr. McWilliam).
§ 29. Mr. Anthony CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received on the effectiveness of funding to prepare pupils for the new general certificate of secondary education examinations.
§ Mrs. RumboldMy right hon. Friend has received various representations from teachers, school governors and others about funding for the GCSE. These, and the recently published HMI interim report on the GCSE, indicate that concern about the availability of resources in schools for the new examinations has generally diminished. The Government have allowed for expenditure of over £100 million in each of the years 1987–88 and 1988–89 for the introduction of the GCSE, including specific grant for books and equipment and for the in-service training of teachers. It is for local education authorities and schools to ensure that the funds are spent where they are most needed.