§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received from industry about the mathematical ability of school leavers.
§ Mrs. RumboldMy right hon. Friend has received no direct representations from industry about the mathematical ability of school leavers. However, there is evidence that standards of mathematical achievement in England and Wales, particularly standards achieved by less able pupils, are lower than they should be. Our proposals for a national curriculum, with clearly prescribed attainment targets and programmes of study for mathematics, backed up by national assessment and testing, will help to raise standards.