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Sutherland Inquiry

My right hon. Friend will know that the Children, Schools and Families Committee is undertaking an ongoing investigation into these matters, which also takes in the contract for education maintenance allowances. As part of that, we will take evidence from Ken Boston and Lord Sutherland in the new year. May I ask him just two questions today? First, we all understand the game of ““Get the Secretary of State”” that is being played between the parties, but does he regret— ... I just want to ask three questions— ...I just want to ask the Secretary of State whether he now regrets the advice that he was given to publish 90 per cent. of the tests immediately. Does he think that that would have solved the problem? Does he think that too many cooks spoiled the broth, because of the shadow authority? Thirdly, will he say one word about Ken Boston, who I have found to be a fine public servant in my experience as Chairman of the Select Committee? Ken Boston might have made mistakes on this contract but somebody should say that he is a fine public servant. He might have made a mistake, but we should not forget his record over a number of years of change to qualifications and to the curriculum in this country.