§ Mr. MacleanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Government's pilot schemes to(a) broaden A-levels and (b) upgrade vocational courses; and what plans he has to extend the pilot schemes nationwide. [74807]
§ Mr. MudieWe expect to make an announcement shortly on the outcome of the consultation on taking forward the Government's commitment to support broader A levels and upgraded vocational qualifications, underpinned by rigorous standards and key skills. We have already made clear that the revised AS, A level and Advanced GNVQ—which are being developed in the light of a number of pilot schemes—will be introduced nationally for teaching from September 2000.