§ 64. Mr. Remnantasked the Minister of Education the number of hours per week in local education authorities' schools allotted to religious education; and to what extent the assistance of Church of England clergy is utilised.
§ The Minister of Education (Sir David Eccles)Present practice is surveyed in the Report on Religious Education in the Schools published last January by the Institute of Christian Education. My hon. Friend will know that the Education Act requires that the religious instruction in county schools should be undenominational.
§ Mr. RemnantIs my right hon. Friend content that sufficient education of this nature is given? Does his answer mean that Church of England clergy are not employed on this job, or are not considered suitable?
§ Sir D. EcclesClergymen frequently come in and help with the religious instruction in Church of England schools, but, of course, in county schools the work is normally undertaken by teachers on the staff of the schools and, so far as I know, it is sincerely and well undertaken. I agree with my hon. Friend that religious instruction is of the greatest importance, and if he would care to look at the Report I have mentioned, he will see what progress has been made.