Although I agree with much in Annette Zera’s article (FE Focus, TES, September 3), I do want to correct what she says about the workings of the Moser Committee. I was the specialist adviser to thecommittee responsible for the minutes of meetings, and was the only person present at every meeting.
Although the need to reform existing qualifications in literacy and numeracy for adults - of which there were 60 - was discussed frequently, it did not dominate. If it had, few other recommendations would have been produced. Furthermore, we were never told by ministers or officials that “the minister insisted that a national system of testing should be introduced”. In fact, they gave few, if any, instructions.
Alan Wells Director, The Basic Skills Agency Commonwealth House 1-19 New Oxford Street London WC1
