HC Deb 18 June 2003 vol 407 cc306-7W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recent discussions he has had with organisations responsible for employing A level markers; what assessment he has made of whether they are employing sufficient numbers, and of the quality needed, to carry out the job; and if he will make a statement. [118653]

Mr. Miliband

Ministers and officials stay in touch with the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) on examination matters. We have made available an additional £6 million this year which is funding a number of initiatives from awarding bodies to help ensure that sufficient markers are recruited.

The Chief Executive of QCA has reported, publicly, that the exam boards are in a better position than last year on marker recruitment.