Written question asked by John Denham (Labour) on Friday, 29 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 3 November 2004. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 November 2004 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what discussions he has had with the Royal Society of Chemistry concerning the adequacy of A level mathematics for undergraduate chemists; what plans he has to review the A level mathematics syllabus to place greater emphasis on the needs of future science undergraduates; what discussions he has had with the Royal Society regarding the adequacy of the mathematics A level for undergraduate scientists; and if he will make a statement; what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the mathematics A level for students undertaking undergraduate chemistry; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what discussions he has had with the Royal Society of Chemistry concerning the adequacy of A-level mathematics for undergraduate chemists; [195636] (2) what plans he has to review the A-level mathematics syllabus to place greater emphasis on the needs of future science undergraduates; [195637] (3) what discussions he has had with the Royal Society regarding the adequacy of the mathematics A-level for undergraduate scientists; and if he will make a statement; [195638] (4) what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the mathematics A-level for students undertaking undergraduate chemistry; and if he will make a statement. [195639] Dr. Howells: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is not responsible for reviewing the adequacy or otherwise of the content of an A-level specification. It is for the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority to determine content in discussion with interested parties including HE institutions, subject and professional associations, employers, awarding bodies and providers.

Secondary information