§ Lord Sefton of Garstonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have been informed of the difficulties which arose at a school at Yate, Bristol, where children have been studying the Hindu festival of Diwali, and if so what plans they have to prevent such difficulites recurring in the future.
§ Viscount DavidsonThe Government is aware of the recent difficulties which arose at Cranleigh Court Infants School, Yate. The Department of Education and Science has sought comments from Avon Education Authority, and is considering their response. The department will shortly be issuing a circular to all local education authorities, governing bodies and head teachers offering guidance on the law relating to religious education and collective worship, and in particular on the new requirements arising from the Education Reform Act 1988.