asked the Minister of Education whether he will make a statement with regard to the future constitution and the future terms of reference of the Burnham Committee.

I welcome very much the agreement reached yesterday by the Burnham Committee on the Government's offer of £42 million. As a result, the need to introduce legislation affecting the future of the Committee is not now urgent. I have the opportunity to continue my consultations with the local authorities and the teachers. It would thus be inappropriate for me to make a statement at this stage.