FUNDAMENTALLY, the notion of AS levels is sound. Maintaining a broader range of subjects for 16 and 17-year-olds to study will encourage more young people into further education.

It also provides a better transition between the multiple GSCE examinations and the specialist courses at universities.

It is regrettable, therefore, that such a praiseworthy reform has run into difficulties.

But full marks to new Education Secretary Estelle Morris for taking swift and effective action in ordering an inquiry into the implementation of AS levels.

After just a few days in her Cabinet post, it could have been tempting for her to stamp her authority, override the protests and tell the schools and teachers to get on with it.

The fact that she appears willing to listen to legitimate concerns suggests she is intent on improving co-operation between her department and the teaching profession.

That can only augur well for teachers, schools and their students.

Undoubtedly, there are lessons to be learned from the first year of AS levels.

The inquiry has to examine the wisdom of assessing the progress of AS level students via external examinations at this time in the academic year.

At a time when schools and colleges are already under timetable pressures because of GCSEs and A levels, AS level exams should have either been brought forward or postponed.

Pay demands

COMPARED with the silly money paid to some sportsmen and company directors, £163,418-a-year to run the country does not seem excessive.

It is, after all, in line with recommendations from an independent review body.

But it remains to be seen whether the Prime Minister's decision to end the practice of waiving pay increases granted to himself and his ministers will come back to haunt him.

It will certainly not help Cabinet members when they come to urge pay restraint among public service workers, or when they warn of the economic dangers of above-inflation wage rises in the private sector.

While the ministerial pay awards may be appropriate, the timing is not.

If the Prime Minister was worth a 41 per cent pay rise on Tuesday, then he was worth it last Tuesday.

It is a pity he did not have the courage to declare his hand before polling day.