To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements he proposes to ensure that testing in English and mathematics is carried out with P4 and P7 pupils in Scotland in 1991.

Guidelines containing arrangements for the conduct of primary tests in 1991 were issued by the Scottish Education Department on 10 October. A copy has been placed in the Library. To ensure a consistent and orderly approach to testing I have concluded that it would be helpful to place the conduct of testing within a regulatory framework. Accordingly regulations to this effect are being laid before Parliament today.