asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is satisfied that the syllabus for mathematics and applied science in secondary schools provides an adequate training in basic numerical skills for potential students of mechanical and engineering subjects.

My right hon. and learned Friend believes that there is room for improvement. This will be one of the considerations underlying the consultations early next year on a framework for the school curriculum. The forthcoming report of Her Majesty's inspectorate's national secondary school survey will also comment on mathematics provision in schools, and the Cockcroft committee is considering the mathematics needed to prepare pupils for further and higher education.