Non-denominational Schools (Hansard, 22 April 1993)

§ 5. Mr. John Marshall
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received about non-denominational schools.

§ Mr. Hanley
While many schools could be included in a strict definition of the term "non-denominational", I understand that my hon. Friend is specifically interested in the integrated schools. I am pleased to report that the continued growth in the integrated schools sector is impressive. I had the opportunity to discuss developments with representatives of the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education during my visit to its offices recently.

§ Mr. Marshall
Does my hon. Friend accept that, important as denominational schools may be, in the specific circumstances in Northern Ireland it is wise that children of all denominations should be taught in the same schools? If children grow up together, learn together and play together, they will not become loud-mouthed bigots when they grow up. How many children are currently educated in integrated schools in Northern Ireland?

§ Mr. Hanley
At present, there are 14 integrated primary schools and four integrated secondary schools in Northern Ireland, and there are three more in the pipeline. Those schools teach just over 3,300 pupils.
Integrated schools have a significant part to play in helping to overcome community divisions. However, I do not believe that that implies that other schools—after all, we equally respect the right of parents to choose any school for their children—are in some way sectarian merely because they happen to be from one denomination. All schools are actively promoting the cross-curricular themes of education for mutual understanding and cultural heritage. That is a formal part of the Northern Ireland curriculum. More than one third of schools are participating in joint activities through the cross-community contact programme.

§ Mr. A. Cecil Walker
Will the Minister ensure that controlled schools are treated on an equal basis with maintained schools? Will he give careful consideration to a recent statement by the leader of the Northern Ireland Anglican Church about a council for controlled schools, to be treated on an equal basis with that for Roman Catholic maintained schools?

§ Mr. Hanley
The hon. Gentleman will be aware that there is currently under way, after consultation, a review of the education administration in Northern Ireland, so the latter issue that he raised will naturally be considered. On the other point, the answer is that such schools have parity in terms or capital grants and individual payments of expenses once they have been set up.

§ Mr. Beggs
On a point of order, Madam Speaker. An hon. Member has referred to people who are not educated in integrated schools as "loud-mouthed bigots". I put it to you that the hon. Member for Hendon, South (Mr. Marshall) should withdraw his remarks.

§ Madam Speaker
Order. That is hardly a point of order for me. If the hon. Gentleman has a point of order, I will take it at the appropriate time.