HC Deb 11 July 1988 vol 137 c23W
Mr. Ashdown

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what number of persons was proposed for membership of each of the national curriculum working groups on mathematics, science and English by educational organisations of professional bodies; if he will describe which educational organisations or professional bodies proposed persons for membership; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what number of persons was considered for potential appointment to each of the national curriculum working groups on mathematics, science and English;

(3) if he will publish a table, showing for each of the national curriculum working groups on mathematics, science and English, the number of members appointed who had been proposed for membership by (a) an educational organisation or professional body, (b) a trade union and (c) any other organisation; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Rumbold

Members were appointed to the national curriculum working groups on mathematics, science and English as individuals, for their personal expertise and experience, not as representatives of particular educational organisations and professional bodies. My right hon. Friend considered persons reflecting a wide range of interests and expertise, whose names were suggested by a variety of educational and other relevant organisations. The appointments to these three working groups were made from a shortlist of over 200 such persons.

Mr. Ashdown

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Yeovil of 27 June,Official Report, column 7, whether discussions with members or potential members of the English working group were held before or after appointment was offered to the person concerned; what number of persons with whom such discussions were held were not offered appointment; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Rumbold

Discussions were held with potential members of the English working group before appointments were offered. It would not be appropriate to comment further on cases where appointment may not have been offered following discussion.