HL Deb 20 November 1969 vol 305 cc1061-2

3.10 p.m.

LORD SORENSEN

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

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether attendance at religious services is compulsory for blind pupils or students in any educational establishment for which the Government or local authorities are responsible.]

BARONESS PHILLIPS

My Lords, such schools, like maintained schools, must under the law make provision for pupils to attend religious worship, provided that no pupil shall be required to attend religious worship contrary to the wishes of his parents. For pupils whose parents express no such wishes, an individual school may require attendance at religious worship, but my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science has no record of the schools where this is done.

LORD SORENSEN

My Lords, may I ask my noble friend whether this applies to independent schools; and would she say whether the Worcester College for the Blind. which I think was criticised on this ground some time ago, comes within the orbit of the Minister?

BARONESS PHILLIPS

My Lords, the particular school to which my noble friend has referred was criticised, but I would point out that the deputy headmaster denied the allegation that the boys were required to attend compulsorily on Sundays. As my noble friend will know, this is a boarding school managed by the Royal National Institution for the Blind; it takes about 65 boys and provides a grammar school education for the State ones. There is normally one compulsory religious service on Sunday morning but, in accordance with the regulations, the boys may on their parents' request be excused attendance.

LORD INGLEWOOD

My Lords, is the noble Baroness aware that the Worcester College for the Blind, which is a most admirable school, has a great admiration for your Lordships' House, and that the headmaster brings the sixth form to listen in the Gallery here at least twice a year?

BARONESS PHILLIPS

My Lords, I am of course wholly in favour of anybody who is also a fan of your Lordships' House.

LORD SORENSEN

My Lords. is my noble friend aware that I cast no reflection on this school, which in other respects I know to be excellent?