To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills on what basis the authors in the list of pre-20^th century texts for the revised key stage three programme of study proposed by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority were selected. (127329)

The pre-20^th century authors were selected as they have an enduring appeal that transcends the period in which they were written and have played a significant role in the development of literature in English. They continue to be read, studied and interpreted in print and on screen for contemporary audiences.