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Ed Balls puts GCSE questions to rival

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Published Date: 20 November 2009
Schools Secretary Ed Balls embarrassed his opposite number during a Commons debate yesterday... by firing a series of GCSE questions at him.
Mr Balls, MP for Normanton, accused shadow schools secretary Michael Gove of trying to "run down" the achievements of young people by claiming they only had to respond to "dumbed down", "Mickey Mouse" test questions.

* Click here to read YEP political editor Mark Hookham's Westminster blog.


Mr Balls challenged the Tory spokesman to answer a series of GCSE biology and maths questions, including:

* Name the type of enzyme that digests stains containing fats;

* Work out three and three quarters minus one and two fifths.

When Mr Gove made no response, Mr Balls insisted these were "hard questions in tough exams, which our young people are doing very well".

Mr Gove later hit back by highlighting reports that Mr Balls wants a big increase in funding for his department, saying: "He's the Katie Price of public spending, the Jordan of this government.''

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  • Last Updated: 20 November 2009 8:04 AM
  • Source: n/a
  • Location: Leeds
 
 
 

Today's Vote

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg today spelt out the four “tests” he will set Labour and the Conservatives if they are to seek his party’s support in a hung Parliament. Is he wasting his time?
No - a hung Parliament is a very real prospect.
Yes - Labour or Conservative will win.
Yes - it's a Lib Dem victory all the way.


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