§ Mr. PawseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education when he will publish proposals for a new National Curriculum English Order; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PattenWith my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales, I am publishing tomorrow proposals for a revised English curriculum, as the basis for extensive consultation. They are based on the recommendations for attainment targets and programmes of study made in the report of the National Curriculum Council, which will be published with the proposals.
As required by the Education Reform Act, I am asking the National Curriculum Council to conduct the consultation exercise in England. The schools, education authorities, professional organisations and other bodies consulted will have until 30 July 1993 to submit their views and make representations to the NCC. A parallel consultation will take place in Wales. Subject to further advice from the NCC and the Curriculum Council for Wales, my right hon. Friend and I will then publish in November a draft order for further consultation.
Copies of the report, the proposals, and my letter to the chairman of the NCC will be placed in the Library of the House.