10.
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action she is taking to persuade schools to include in the curriculum for 11 to 16-year-olds education for political competence, as suggested in the working papers recently prepared by Her Majesty's Inspectorate.
While I have indicated my support for the study in schools of our political institutions, it is for local education authorities and schools themselves to decide whether to adopt the suggestions of the recent Her Majesty's Inspectorate working paper. Copies of the document have been sent to all LEAs and are available in the Library.
My Department's circular 14/77 sought information on the steps authorities have taken to help schools promote the development of pupils' understanding of contemporary economic, social and political life.
Does the Secretary of State agree that most schools are failing to give children an adequate political education and that, provided there is no political indoctrination, it is essential that there should be more political education if we are to have a well-informed and responsible democracy?
I could not agree more with the lion. Gentleman, but before the working paper was prepared by Her Majesty's Inspectorate there had been no working papers on the subject of political education. I very much hope that schools will look at that working paper. I hope, too, that the original agreement between the political parties made in 1973 under the aegis of the Hansard Society, which sets out some useful rules for the teaching of politics to children in schools, will be honoured.
What plans are being made to enable parents to receive the same information?
I am sure that my hon. Friend knows the answer to that question even better than I do.
What is meant by "political competence", and would we all pass the test?
The hon. Lady tempts me, but I have never endeavoured to insult the House from this Dispatch Box.