HC Deb 04 December 1992 vol 215 cc395-6W
Mr. Brazier

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what arrangements he is making for the appointment of the proposed school curriculum and assessment authority.

Mr. Patten

To ensure that the appropriate preparations can be made for the establishment of the school curriculum and assessment authority, my Department has appointed a firm of management consultants to help draw up a list of appropriate candidates with the qualities and skills necessary to a successful chairman. A panel, chaired by the first civil service commissioner, will consider their advice, interview those on the shortlist and make recommendations to me. Any appointment will be subject to the passage of the legislation.

Sir Anthony Durant

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what arrangements he has made for setting up the new school curriculum and assessment authority.

Mr. Patten

The Government intend, subject to the passage of the necessary legislation, to establish a new authority in England to be responsible for matters relating to the national curriculum and the associated assessment arrangements. Parliamentary approval to expenditure associated with preparing for the establishment of the new authority will be sought in a supply estimate for the schools, research and miscellaneous services vote (class X, vote 1, in 1993–94). Pending that approval, essential preparatory expenditure estimated at £90,000 in 1992–93 will be met by a repayable advance from the contingencies fund.