§ Mr. BrazierTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to paragraph 7.2(3) of COM (97) 684, what is his Department's policy towards the funding of the promotion of the education and training of consumers in schools. [37001]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisI have been asked to reply.
Consumer education is not a discrete subject of the National Curriculum. However, education about consumer issues is covered by the National Curriculum which all maintained schools are required to deliver to all pupils aged 5 to 16. There is scope for addressing consumer issues within most of the subjects of the National Curriculum. However, most relevant issues will normally be covered by National Curriculum design and technology, which covers much of traditional Home Economics, as well as, in particular, geography and mathematics. There would also be scope for covering the area in a schools programme of personal, social and health education.
It is not the Government's policy to legislate on what form of education or training people must follow after leaving compulsory schooling. There are nonetheless ample opportunities for people to pursue such education or training post-16.