asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will make a further statement on 16 to 19-years' old education.

My right hon. Friend attaches great importance to provision for this age group and will continue to work closely with local education authorities and other interested bodies to improve the opportunities available to it. A great deal of important work is going ahead, including the appraisal and development of courses and examinations in schools and further education, the evolution of new concepts of vocational preparation for those who traditionally receive little or no systematic training or further education after 16, and special programmes and initiatives for the young unemployed.