§ 69. Mr. Edward Evansasked the Minister of Education what reply he has received from His Majesty's Inspectors on the standards of religious teaching in State-aided schools; whether generally these reports indicate that the religious instruction given is of a satisfactory standard; and what action is taken when adverse reports are presented.
§ Mr. TomlinsonReligious instruction in maintained schools in accordance with the agreed syllabus is not separately inspected but is included in the normal inspection of the schools. The general indication of the reports so far received is that a satisfactory start has been made towards achieving the aims of the agreed syllabuses. Adverse reports are, as with other subjects of instruction, brought to the notice of the local education authority and the managers or governors of the school.
§ Mr. EvansMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether he has seen the gross 2014 attack in the "Sunday Graphic" newspaper by W. H. Elliott on 9th January, and the repudiation by the Archbishop of Canterbury of his attack on the teachers, and whether he will associate himself with the views of the Archbishop?
§ Mr. TomlinsonYes, I most certainly would, and would desire to express publicly my thanks to the Archbishop for taking up the attitude he did.