To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to introduce proposals for numeracy hours for schools; and if he will make a statement. [19753]

Numeracy and literacy are at the centre of the Government's drive to raise standards in schools. The Numeracy Task Force was set up in May and is expected to publish a consultative report in January. The length and content of teaching time for mathematics in primary schools will be covered in the report.