HC Deb 24 January 1992 vol 202 cc344-5W
Mr. Simon Coombs

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received on the teaching of music in schools; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

My right hon. Friend issued last August proposals for music and art in the national curriculum, representations on which were sent to the National Curriculum Council.

In the light of the National Curriculum Council's advice, he intends on Monday to publish for consultation, draft orders with associated documents setting out attainment targets and programmes of study for art and music in the national curriculum for pupils aged five to 14, as he is required to do by section 20(5) of the Education Reform Act. Copies will he placed in the Library.

The period for consultation on the draft orders will end on 4 March 1992. My right hon. Friend intends to make the final orders in March 1992 in good time for schools to begin teaching national curriculum art and music to pupils aged five, seven and 11 from the following autumn. The draft orders apply to England. My right hon. Friend will be publishing for consultation draft orders for art and music for Wales.

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