§ Mr. AshdownTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if he will describe the procedures used in appointing members of the national curriculum working group on science, stating what proportion of members were interviewed by a Minister before appointment; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will describe the procedures used in appointing members of the national curriculum working group on mathematics, stating what proportion of members were interviewed by a Minister before appointment; and if he will make a statement;
(3) if he will describe the procedures used in appointing members of the national curriculum working group on English, stating what proportion of members were interviewed by a Minister before appointment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. RumboldIn appointing members to the various national curriculum subject working groups, the Government looked for a range of professional expertise and experience. We also ensured that each group had at least one member from the business world. My right hon. Friend and I met the chairman of the mathematics and science working groups before they were appointed; in the case of the English group my right hon. Friend and I held discussions with all those offered appointment.