HC Deb 19 November 2002 vol 394 cc58-9W
Mr. Willis

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when he intends to publish a Memorandum of Understanding on the relationship between his Department and the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority; and if he will make a statement. [81079]

Mr. Miliband

[holding answer 18 November2002]: We will be preparing the Memorandum of Understanding in the light of the findings of Mike Tomlinson's report on longer term issues concerning examination standards and the role of QCA and the awarding bodies. We expect to receive this report at the end of November.

Mr. Willis

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of the Quinquennial Review of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority; and if he will make a statement. [81080]

Mr. Miliband

[holding answer 18 November 2002]: I welcome the Quinquennial Review report on QCA published in the summer. Since then new issues have arisen in the examination system, and a new chair and chief executive have been appointed at QCA. I look forward to receiving the authority's response to the report before the end of the year.