HC Deb 20 April 1998 vol 310 cc492-3W
Mr. Reed

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimates he has made of the average number of hours per week spent on physical education in primary schools in (i) 1979–80, (ii) 1995–96 and (iii) 1996–97. [31001]

Ms Estelle Morris

The Department carried out a survey of PE and sport in English schools in January 1996. It found that primary school pupils had on average 1.5 to 2 hours per week of National Curriculum PE. No information is held on 1979–80 or 1996–97.

Mr. Reed

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to improve the quality of physical education in primary schools. [31002]

Ms Estelle Morris

We are committed to improving the quality of education in all subjects in all schools.

Mr. Reed

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the effect on physical education teaching of his proposed changes to the National Curriculum. [31004]

Ms Estelle Morris

None. Physical Education is to remain a National Curriculum subject and will continue to be taught in all schools.