UK Parliament / Open data

Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill

I will not give way to the hon. Gentleman; I will give way only to Back Benchers. The hon. Member for Harrogate and Knaresborough (Mr. Willis) is absolutely right. There was a strong case for splitting the bodies, and having a separate qualification development agency. Of course, the idea has developed over time, and the development is partly the result of nudging from the Select Committees. The Children, Schools and Families Committee has not yet finalised its report on the national curriculum, but my view is that we have needed a strong, independent voice on the national curriculum and curriculum matters for a long time. Very few people have mentioned the issue today; I am surprised that the Front Benchers did not mention it at all. If we really want a robust curriculum, independence and integrity are needed, and we need the issue to be considered over the long term.

About this proceeding contribution

Reference

488 c67 

Session

2008-09

Chamber / Committee

House of Commons chamber
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