§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what proportion of(a) school leavers and (b) 16 to 19-year-olds have poor literacy skills; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BoswellA recent survey by the Government-funded adult literacy and basic skills unit suggested that more than 40 per cent. of students entering further education colleges needed help with basic literacy in order to achieve a good qualification. The raising of literacy standards is a top priority for the Government's policies for education.