HL Deb 10 July 1968 vol 294 cc941-2
LORD SORENSEN

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what approaches, inquiries or representations have been made in respect of securing financial aid for the provision of Sikh, Greek Orthodox or other than Anglican, Roman Catholic and Jewish schools; and, in view of the substantial immigrant communities now settled within this country, what provision has been made for the religious instruction appropriate to the children of those immigrant communities when it is desired by their parents.]

BARONESSS PHILLIPS

My Lords, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science has had one inquiry in connection with the establishment of a school for Moslem children. It is for parents to make the necessary arrangements if they want their children to be withdrawn from school to receive alternative religious instruction.

LORD SORENSEN

My Lords, do I understand from the noble Baroness that the Minister has had one inquiry regarding the possibility of setting up separate schools? I am not quite clear about that. In any case, does she agree that, in view of the fact that the three particular religious communities I have mentioned do have separate State-aided schools, other British citizens who also go to the schools should be put in the same position? Personally, I deplore this possible development, but in view of the necessity to be consistent, would not my noble friend agree that the same principle should be applied if the application is made?

BARONESS PHILLIPS

My Lords, I certainly agree that there should be no distinction when an application is made; and, indeed, no distinction was made. My right honourable friend, in replying to this inquiry, set forth the permutations that would be necessary if the school was to be established under the appropriate section of the Act. So far, no reply has been received to his letter.