asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he proposes to take to supervise and control English language schools which can operate without the approval of his Department.

Independent English language schools may apply to my right hon. and learned Friend for recognition as efficient establishments of further education, provided that their courses meet certain educational criteria; the names of recognised establishments are publicised abroad by the British Council. Recognition is voluntary, and my right hon. and learned Friend has no plans to institute statutory controls in this field.