HC Deb 17 December 1970 vol 808 cc1544-5
11. Mr. Normanton

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what circulars she plans to issue on the subject of religious instruction and observance in schools.

Mrs. Thatcher

None, Sir.

Mr. Normanton

I note my right hon. Friend's reply, but it will bring considerable anxiety and continuing distress to a large number of parents and to many religious institutions. Will she reconsider her decision? Will she consider also whether there is some means of resisting the continued erosion of religious faith as well as teaching in many of our schools?

Mrs. Thatcher

It is because of the erosion that I wish to retain the existing religious provisions in the Education Act, 1944. I think that my hon. Friend's objectives and mine are the same, and I hope that he will consider my viewpoint.

Mr. Kaufman

On the question of religious instruction, has the Secretary of State received the letter which I sent to her regarding a request for a three-room extension to St. Kentigern's School in my constituency? Will she undertake to agree that that extension should be built?

Mrs. Thatcher

That does not arise from the Question, and I confess that I did not have the specific letter in mind when I formulated my reply.