§ 12. Mr. Lawsonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proposals he has for amending the Education Act in respect of religious education.
§ Mr. ArmstrongNone, Sir.
§ Mr. LawsonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that, on the admission of the director of education for the county, a large number of schools in Leicestershire are in breach of the Act as it affects religious education? No doubt this goes for other schools in the country. Such schools are in breach of the Act because they consider it not to be in tune with contemporary reality. This is causing considerable concern among a minority of parents because there is no religious education—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The hon. Member must ask questions and not make a speech.
§ Mr. LawsonDoes the hon. Gentleman consider that this is a satisfactory situation? Might it not be better to amend the law so as to have a religious education syllabus which is accepted by schools throughout the country?
§ Mr. ArmstrongWe are aware that there are difficulties in some schools about the morning assembly because of the lack of accommodation and so on. We are also aware that there are certain difficulties in other schools. The inspectorate is in constant touch with the schools. We see no reason at present for amending the law.