§ Mr. BowisTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what discussions he has held concerning education and teaching and inner-city policy and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeExisting and potential inner-city employers frequently emphasise to me the importance of education and training in enabling inner-city residents to take advantage of the growing number of employment opportunities. The Government are encouraging links between inner-city schools and employers through, for example, compacts which assure school leavers who reach required standards of a job or job interview. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment is offering financial support for a further 12 compacts in inner-city areas in England. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science has recognised the importance of providing good science and technology-based education for inner-city children by promoting city technology colleges and all inner-city schools will benefit from his education reforms and introduction of the new national curriculum.