HC Deb 12 March 1999 vol 327 c432W
Mr. Dismore

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) if he will make a statement on the availability of GCSE and A level examinations in Somali; [75740]

(2) if he will make a statement on the availability of GCSE and A level examinations in Hindi. [75781]

Mr. Mudie

Somali has never been offered at either GCSE or A level. Hindi is currently offered at A level but not GCSE. Last year, at the Government's instigation, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority secured an agreement with the awarding bodies to ensure that small entry A level language examinations which are currently available should continue to be offered without interruption.

The Institute of Linguists offers Contemporary Language Certificates in Hindi and Somali which have been approved for use in schools.