asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to receive the report of the working party of the Consultative Committee on the Curriculum considering the question of music in schools; and if he will make a statement.

I expect to receive the report of the working party before the end of this year. I will consider what guidance I should issue on the subject of music education in schools in the light of the recommendations made in the report and of advice which I shall seek from the Consultative Committee on the Curriculum.