Answers to the Written Assembly Questions for answer on 25 February 2010

[R] signifies that the Member has declared an interest.
[W] signifies that the question was tabled in Welsh.

Contents

Questions to the Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills

Questions to the Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport

To ask the Minister for Children, Education and Lifelong Learning

Andrew RT Davies (South Wales Central): What steps is the Minister taking to combat centre staff malpractice in pupil examinations. (WAQ55684)

Answer issued on 24 February 2010

The GCSE, GCE and AEA code of practice published annually by the qualifications regulators sets out the arrangements for awarding bodies to deal with cases of malpractice. The Joint Council for Qualifications www.jcq.org.uk publishes agreed procedures for all awarding bodies to follow to ensure consistency of practice. The awarding bodies monitor and issue penalties for centre staff involved in malpractice according to these rules. Such cases are extremely rare.  Details on the penalties issued and data for 2008 and 2009 are included in the Statistical bulletin: Malpractice in GCSE and GCE: June 2009 examination series published by the qualifications regulators, previously listed in WAQ55629.

To ask the Minister for the Economy and Transport

Brynle Williams (North Wales): What steps has the Minister taken within his portfolio to prepare for a double dip recession. (WAQ55683)

Answer issued on 16 March 2010

We are continually monitoring the economic situation and its effects, and considering a wide range of scenarios. Rather than planning for any particular outcome, we are co-ordinating our responses through the Economic Summits, and are preparing for the post-recession through the Economic Renewal Programme.