§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the recommendations of the Task Force On Under-age Alcohol Misuse on(a) alcohol education at primary school level and (b) within teacher training courses. [39590]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisWe have considered very carefully all of the education recommendations of the Task Force report. Alcohol education at primary school level is already included in the requirements for National Curriculum science at key stage 2 (7–11 year olds) as part of the programme of study covering aspects of drug education. The new curriculum for teacher training requires all teachers to address pupils' personal, moral and social development; and because of the National Curriculum requirements for drug education, all primary school teachers and secondary school science teachers will be trained in it. We continue to encourage local education authorities and individual schools to improve their coverage of alcohol issues.