asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will rectify the anomaly whereby English art students can begin training as art teachers at 16 years of age with a foundation course, whereas the Scottish students cannot begin training as art teachers until they are 17 years of age.

Arrangements for education in art and design differ in England and Scotland as they do for other subjects. In England, entry to a first degree course in art and design is normally after successful completion of a one-year foundation course. In Scotland, there is no tradition of foundation courses and entry to first degree or diploma courses is normally made direct from school with higher-grade qualifications. Entry requirements to these courses are primarily the responsibility of the institutions concerned.